There’s been much talk in the news recently about Jenna Talackova, a 23 year-old woman who was disqualified from the Miss Universe Canada Pageant after officials found out that she wasn’t a “naturally born female”.
Jenna Talackova always knew she was in the wrong body, even at a young age. At the age of 19, after taking hormone therapy for a number of years, she underwent transgender surgery where physicians removed her male genitalia and converted it to female. Keep reading…
I’m taking a nutrition class this semester and I’ve learned many things – some more interesting than others. I already knew that supplements (protein bars/shakes, weight loss products, etc.) were popular, but I didn’t really know much information about them. Did you know that the popularity of certain types of supplements varies between different ages, genders, etc.? For instance, I hear many guys talk about protein supplements and other products that are supposed to make them stronger, while girls often buy supplements to lose weight. However, most supplements don’t work. Keep reading…
Obesity has received a lot of media attention recently. According to the CDC, a total of 12.5 million people between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese or overweight. Obesity is a major health concern because it increases your risk of getting conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, and emotional problems such as low self–esteem. Becoming overweight or obese is caused by eating more calories than you’re burning off. Keep reading…
Alcohol can influence a teen’s decision to have sex. Family and personal values play key roles, but unfortunately, so does underage drinking. Approximately 12.5 million teens drink each year, and according to the Federal Trade Commission, teens who drink are twice as likely to engage in some kind of sexual activity. When you drink, alcohol “takes over your personality” by impairing your thoughts and slowing down your reaction time, making it difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. Keep reading…
Some people confuse sadness with depression. Feeling sad from time to time is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re depressed. It’s natural to feel sad after a breakup, or when someone close to you dies. It’s also perfectly normal to feel down in the dumps or disappointed in yourself for not making the cut for a sports team or not passing a class in school. However, people are usually able to deal with their feelings and move past their sadness with the support from family and friends, and a little time. Keep reading…
Do you know anyone who posted private information about a friend or girlfriend/boyfriend online? Have you ever posted something and then regretted it, or deleted it? Sharing information online, whether on Facebook, Twitter, or another social networking site is something you should really think about before you do it. Read on for some tips on how to be smart and safe about what you share online. Keep reading…
The past few weeks, college is all that has been on my mind. I can barely sleep or concentrate on anything else! I’m currently a junior in high school, so college is starting to creep up on my shoulder. The pressure to do well from my family, school, and myself has taken a toll on me. I know quite a few of you must be experiencing this as well. Dozens of questions come up while thinking about the entire college process, but in my opinion, the most important and permanent one is: what college is right for ME?
While applying to colleges, you should take into consideration: Keep reading…
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was seven. It has affected me all my life in good ways and bad. The stereotype for ADHD in kids is that they are super hyper, have poor social skills, and can’t concentrate, but not all kids and teens are like that. Each person is different, and ADHD affects everyone in a different way.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s commonly known as a disorder that causes people to get distracted easily, have impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, and it also makes it hard to think through situations to make the right decisions. ADHD has to do with the chemistry of the brain, and right now there is no cure. Keep reading…
Everyone’s been talking about “Kony 2012”. I first learned about Kony from my friends, who learned about this campaign through Twitter. I looked up the video on YouTube and after watching it I was so moved! Many of you may know about the war in Uganda. For those of you who don’t know, or just found out, there’s a rebel group called the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army), which is led by a man known as Joseph Kony.
Filmmaker Jason Russell co-founded an organization called Invisible Children to help raise awareness about Joseph Kony after visiting Africa in 2003. Keep reading…
Eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve PCOS symptoms, but do you know what it means to be S.M.A.R.T. with PCOS? The key to making positive changes is goal setting. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that some people (such as Project Smart in the UK) use to make sure their goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Are your goals S.M.A.R.T.? Keep reading…
