Tag Archives: health

Half the Sky: The Facebook Game for Charity

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Firdaus

How exciting! Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wu Dunn, creators of the renowned book Half the Sky have joined forces with several major chartable organizations, including the Ford Foundation, and developed a new Facebook App game that lets users help women and girls in need around the world by playing games that actually contribute to charities.

By unlocking different parts of the game, users are able to activate real life charity contributions that mirror the game. In the 21st century, we are becoming increasingly charitable and aware of our global connectedness. I am excited about this game, and its opportunity to educate people about the various difficulties women and girls experience in different parts of the world. What a clever way to serve others while we serve ourselves – I mean, it’s playing a video game for charity! As our world and our technologies change, a whole new spectrum of opportunities to give and connect with our sisters and brothers around the globe will become possible.

What do you think about this new style of giving?

Deodorant and Breast Cancer: Does a Link Exist?

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Firdaus

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Many of us have heard about the supposed link between aluminum deodorants and antiperspirants and breast cancer. While studies have continued to show mixed results in their findings, one should consider what has been documented. The National Cancer Institute published an article outlining its stance on the matter:

Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects (3). Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer (3).

Some research has focused on parabens, which are preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants that have been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells (4). Although parabens are used in many cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products, according to the FDA, most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants in the United States do not currently contain parabens. Consumers can look at the ingredient label to determine if a deodorant or antiperspirant contains parabens. Parabens are usually easy to identify by name, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben. The National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database also has information about the ingredients used in most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants.

The belief that parabens build up in breast tissue was supported by a 2004 study, which found parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors (5). However, this study did not prove that parabens cause breast tumors (4). The authors of this study did not analyze healthy breast tissue or tissues from other areas of the body and did not demonstrate that parabens are found only in cancerous breast tissue (5). Furthermore, this research did not identify the source of the parabens and cannot establish that the buildup of parabens is due to the use of deodorants or antiperspirants.

More research is needed to specifically examine whether the use of deodorants or antiperspirants can cause the buildup of parabens and aluminum-based compounds in breast tissue. Additional research is also necessary to determine whether these chemicals can either alter the DNA in some cells or cause other breast cell changes that may lead to the development of breast cancer…*

*see original article for citations

While it is clear that further research needs to be conducted on the matter, many people would prefer to avoid deodorants with said chemicals. So, in a society that discriminates against people based on their looks and hygiene, how do we avoid smelling bad without the traditional deodorizers? Well, natural remedies exist:

Tom’s of Maine

Aubrey Organics

Miessence Certified Organic’s

And for the ultra-organic, simply try using a lime under your pits!

And of course, one can choose to abstain from masking their natural scent all together. I propose a hefty dose of kudos to those who go au natural, for despite the stigma of body odor, it is completely healthy and a natural expression of the human body.

We’re all concerned with eradicating breast cancer, and our continued dedication to scientific medical research and prevention education will surely take us there.

2013: Debunking the Beauty Myth

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Firdaus

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As the new year begins, many people head to the gym with goals of shedding pounds and being the beautiful, thin person they’ve always imagined. Many think, this year, this year I will lose the weight and I will be beautiful!. Many find themselves over-exercising, starving/restricting their food intake, or taking diet pills like Phentermine (known to cause heart problems and addiction) while staring into photoshopped images in fashion magazines. While the pressures and demands on us to be uber thin and thus “beautiful” do have real, harmful effects on us in our realities; many of us try to increase our self-esteem by getting caught in perpetual loops of self-defeat and failure, which actually can make us feel worse about ourselves. Have you ever lost ten pounds and then re-gained it shortly after? How did you feel about yourself when you lost it? How did you feel about yourself when you gained it back? For many of us, we can feel worse about ourselves after the yoyo weight loss than before we lost any weight at all.

I am a strong advocate of health and wellness. This does not translate to thinness or manufactured beauty. In this new year, I challenge you to look within and contemplate your motivations for weight loss. Are you comparing yourself to people thinner or “more beautiful” than yourself? When did you start feeling inferior about the way you look? When do you feel best about the way you look? When do you feel worst?

For many, dieting and low self-esteem begin in early childhood. Dove produced a campaign for “real beauty” (though I might argue they too perpetuate the beauty myth to an extent by advertising gendered beauty products, but that is for a later post) that explored self-esteem, weight, and the beauty myth. Below I am attaching a video they created that interviews several young women about their self-esteem and the pressures to be attractive. I find the video to be heartbreaking. I can relate with their insecurities, and the cruelty endured by peers for not being “attractive enough.”

In 2013, I encourage you to turn off your televisions. Install ad-blocking software on your internet browser. Emotionally detach yourself from pop culture. Stop looking at beauty and gossip magazines. Stop consuming advertisements that tell your subconscious that you are not enough.

In 2013, let your goal be to fall in love with yourself. As is, right here, right now.

Be bold. Be healthy. Be yourself. You are beautiful. You are enough.

Gift Ideas for the Strong, Smart, and Courageous Girl (and Boy!)

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Firdaus

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I was recently at the birthday party of an eleven-year-old girl, and was horrified at the toys she was receiving from adults.

There is a brand of dolls that is a close relative to the Bratz® Collection called Monster High®. The dolls are so sexualized and stereotyped, I was gagging. Long and lean with large breasts and round bottoms, lips plumped and eyes wide and slanted. At this point, the eleven-year-old has about 10 of these dolls, and collects other pieces of the brand’s merchandise like clothing, accessories, books and posters. She is immersed.

These are the Bratz Monster High Dolls.

My problem isn’t that she enjoys playing with dolls, or that it’s too gender-specific for my liking, but I can’t help but be aware of how sexualization is ingrained in our children from a very young age, and it is done through mediums just like these dolls. Young people internalize these images and believe they somehow should look the same way. Specifically, let me link to my post from a few months back that explored the link between sexualization of girls and the American Psychiatric Association’s warnings about the dangers such phenomenon presents for the young consumers.

So the great news is, I found a website called A Mighty Girl that sells books, toys, movies, music and clothing specifically for “smart, confident, and courageous girls.” Clicking on their home page, I instantly saw a banner for a section called The Ultimate Guide to the Independent Princess (um, yeah, that just happened!).

Recommended by A Mighty Girl: The Paper Bag Princess.

The minds of young people are extremely vulnerable to influence, and what happens in childhood often blooms in adulthood. If insecurity about the way one looks begins young enough, it will often carry on the haunt the consumer for the rest of their adult life (our mainstream society is very superficial). Though the website caters specifically to “girls,” the books, games, and toys in this site are appropriate for all children, regardless of gender.

So, in closing, as you consider your holiday gift giving to young women or young men in your life, consider the impact your gift could have on the receiver. Will you be a smart, confident, and courageous consumer?

This is Why We Fight: A Tale From an Abortion Educator

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Firdaus

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Every so often, I have a patient interaction that reminds me why I get up for work every morning with enthusiasm, and why it is so important that we remain committed to preserving access to abortion care within this country.

Recently I was working the role of an abortion educator, meaning that on the day of abortion procedures, I discuss the abortion process with patients, including what they can expect throughout the day, the risks and benefits of the procedure, follow-up care, and we discuss birth control for afterward. I always begin these sessions by asking if the patient is firm and clear in their decision, and if they are being coerced in any way. If the client is not ready, or is being pressured to have an abortion we cancel or reschedule the visit to a time when there is 100% confidence and clarity. I always end the visits by asking the patient if there is anything emotional they would like to discuss regarding their decision, which is hard for many people for a variety of personal reasons.

On this particular day I had the pleasure of meeting two sisters from an Eastern European country, one was there for the procedure, one was her support person. The session began similarly to most, in which I narrate a certain set of scripts, then open the conversation into a dialogue. Most patients are pretty quiet about their personal feelings and previous experiences, but this client and her sister were full of stories to share.

The patient was very early in her pregnancy, and explained that she was unable to continue it to parenthood because of the financial situation she was in. She had been told by a doctor in her native country that she should not be on birth control consistently, that she should take “breaks” about once a year, and then go back onto it. She said that this was the second time she’d become pregnant on a “birth control break,” and she was sad and frustrated by its necessity.

I let the patient know that she did not need to take breaks from contraception, unless there was some sort of extenuating medical condition that she had that I was not aware of (I’d never heard of such requirement in my four years on the job). The news hit her with a crash, she was shocked but relieved that she no longer needed to take months off from her pills and risk unplanned pregnancy.

She told me she was very nervous about the abortion because of one she’d had three years earlier in her native country. She repeated several times that she was treated “like an animal,” and was nervous a similar experience would occur on that day. She’d elected to have a medication abortion instead of a surgical because of the trauma she’d endured in her last situation. She became emotional very quickly as the story began, and I could see her anxiety rising in her voice, mannerisms, and in her eyes.

She told me she was just over four weeks pregnant (from a birth control “break”) and had to schedule the procedure in a hospital. The procedure costed the equivalent of about $1500, and no assistance was available. She was not able to have any family member or support person join her throughout any portion of her visit. She was taken back to a hospital cot where she waited for hours, alone. Eventually, a dilator was inserted into her cervix, where she said it remained overnight. Hospital staff ignored her, she was not given meals, nor the ability to update friends or family. She was alone, without any sort of pain medication, weeping in pain for hours and hours, until finally the doctor arrived, conducted the procedure without even speaking to her. When she vocalized her discomfort she was mocked by staff and humiliated. Overall, she and her sister told me the abortion stay took 16 hours. She said she was made to feel ashamed and incompetent.

Clearly her experience in our office was the complete opposite of what she’d experienced previously, and she was relieved. She thanked me for the compassionate and gentle care that she was receiving, and told me that she felt safe despite the trauma she’d previously endured. We were able to schedule her to receive a Mirena IUD (5 year reversible contraceptive method) at her follow-up visit, so she would no longer need to worry about taking “breaks” from her reliable contraceptive. In fact, her sister scheduled to receive one on the same day as well!

Unplanned pregnancies, for many reasons, can be extremely stressful for females to endure. I am grateful that I work for an organization that provides people with the ability to plan their family and their future with safe, comprehensive, medically-accurate education and clinical care. I stand with Planned Parenthood.

Sexualizing Our Youngsters: What Does It Mean – and Why Should We Care?

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Firdaus

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A new study published in the journal Sex Roles found that girls as young as 6 are self-identifying as sexy. Researchers presented two paper dolls to groups of girls ages 6-9 and asked them a series of questions about their attitudes and identity with the images. One of the dolls was sexually-objectified, with tight revealing clothing, while the other was wearing looser and less revealing clothing (see photo of actual dolls used at right). Researchers asked the girls to identify with which doll they wanted to be most like, which they thought they did look like, which they would want to play with, and which was most popular.

To me, the results were not surprising. Overwhelmingly, these girls identified with the “sexy” doll in all four categories measured. Results found that 72% thought the sexy doll was more popular than the non-sexy doll, and 68% wanted to look like the sexy doll.

We’ve known these ideals exist within teens and women, but this study was the first to show data that links self-sexualizing with girls this young. It was only a matter of time until the “Toddlers in Tiaras” phenomenon infiltrated the self-esteem and self-images of our youngest sisters and daughters. You might be asking, “So what? What does it matter if girls as young as six are identifying with sexually objectified icons, and internalizing the pressures to be sexually appealing to others?” Well, in 2007 the American Psychological Association released their widely received report on the dangers of sexualization and sexual objectification of girls and women, and found that sexualization is strongly correlated with negative self-image, eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, decreased ability to concentrate/focus, lowered scores in math and science, lowered condom-use, and even higher rates of sexual assault.

What is sexualization, as the APA defined it? Sexualization occurs when:

a person’s value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics;
a person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness (narrowly defined) with being sexy;
a person is sexually objectified — that is, made into a thing for others’ sexual use, rather than seen as a person with the capacity for independent action and decision making; and/or
sexuality is inappropriately imposed upon a person.

With an emerging culture in which stripper poles are manufactured for young girls, child-sized “wink-wink” thong underwear is sold by top retailers, and bikini waxes are marketed to those just entering puberty, it’s not difficult to see the fragile position we’re putting our youngest generation into: be sexy, or go unnoticed.

These images don’t just impact girls’ self-expectations, they create a cultural landscape in which (cisgendered) boys and men are taught to expect the (cisgender) girls and women around them to live up to these sexy standards in order to be attractive or of value.

Feronia readers, what do you think about exposing our youngsters to these sexualized-images?

Bullets, Batteries, and Orgasms, OoOoh My!

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Firdaus

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I’m a huge proponent of sex toys, as they can help you learn your own body, don’t require a willing participant, and can make you C-O-M-E!! I think there aren’t enough women willing to plunge into the arena of toys, as they’ve been tabooed as vulgar or unladylike. I could give a damn about being ladylike, pass me the freakin’ orgasms!!

Our team on Tumblr asked for your favorite toys and I’ve picked 6 show-stoppers to review below:

Toy: We-Vibe

Description: This toy was created for couples or solo play, is made of flexible medical grade silicone, is shaped like a “U,” has bullets at each end to stimulate clitoris and G-spot, and has three vibration settings.

Ooh La La Reviews:
● Enhances already great sex life
● Is comfortable size for both hitting clit and G-spot
● Made to accommodate penis and toy at the same time
● We-Vibe III has remote control
● Gives powerful orgasms
● Male partner claims he did not feel inferior to toy (good news if you or your partner are sensitive to “toy envy”)

Ooh no no reviews:
● Often slips out of place
● Has to charge for 24 hours before use
● Vibration is not strong enough
● Toy not big enough/small enough/flexible enough

OoOoH-verall: Overall you’ll love it or hate it. From what I can gather, those who hated it had high expectations and when they weren’t quickly met, they gave up. Positive reviews seemed to come from couples who kept using the toy until they found the right “vibe.”

OoOorder up! Get it for $89.99 here

Toy: Fleshlight

Description: Tube shaped toy made to imitate vaginal, oral, or anal opening and canal or throat, made of patented super soft “realistic” material, for penis penetration.

Ooh La La Reviews:

● Best male masturbation device
● Very life-like
● Can induce powerful orgasms
● Warming toy with water before use makes for more pleasurable experience
● Ability to control “tightness” of “vaginal canal” was a commonly cited plus
● Kinky options like vampire mouths available

Ooh no no reviews:

Some reviews cited tearing of the “vulva” and canal. Some reviews claim counterfeit toys are marketed as the “Fleshlight,” so be careful where you purchase from.

OoOoH-verall: The vast majority of reviewers found the toy to be as close to vaginal penetration as possible. A screwable cap at the bottom of the shaft or “canal” can be adjusted to make the toy “tighter” or “looser.”

OoOorder up! Get it for $50.99 here

Toy: Hitachi magic wand

Description: Hand held clitoral vibrator, looks the shape of microphone, plugs into wall (it’s that powerful).

Ooh La La Reviews:
● Does the trick!
● Comfortable to hold
● Appearance looks less like a “sex toy” and more like a regular body massager

Ooh no no reviews:
Some reviewers reported that the intensity of the massager made they feel less able to orgasm without it. Some suggest abstaining for a few days from using it, and you will feel “good as new” again.

OoOoH-verall: If you’re looking for clitoral stimulation, the magic wand should do the trick. Multiple vibration settings make it ideal for different sensitivities. Attachments can be added to the device also!

OoOorder up! Get it for $47.95 here

Toy: Wild G Stimulator (“Rabbit”)

Description: Works just like the “rabbit” but cheaper! California Exotics brand, with a “fin” instead of rabbit head to stimulate clit, and a shaft with rotating beads to engage your G spot. Three speeds of vibration, made of silicone, waterproof.

Ooh La La Reviews:
● G-spot orgasms
● Clitoral orgasms
● Clit-G combo orgasms

Ooh no no reviews:
Some reviewers felt the shaft was larger than expected. I actually felt the same way when I received it in the mail. With a little silicone lube it went in without a hitch.

OoOoH-verall: My favorite toy!! This toy was the first object to ever give me orgasms within my vaginal canal. I’m telling you, it revolutionized my lust life!!

OoOorder up! Get it for $34.66 here

Toy: Don Wand Glass Pleasure Wand

Description: Glass dildo with “nubs” around it for added stimulation. Comes in beautiful rainbow colors.

Ooh La La Reviews:
● Reviewers liked the size of the toy
● Kudos for the added “nubs”
● Heating and cooling options are a must
● The most aesthetically pleasing toy

Ooh no no reviews:
The toy is made of glass – meaning it does not bend, and is super-hard. If you prefer soft or flexible, this might not be for you.

OoOoH-verall: If you are a fan of hard vaginal stimulation, this toy can be the one for you. Lube is necessary. Easy to wash, can be heated up or put in freezer for different sensations. Clean up is super easy, you can even throw it in the dishwasher!

OoOorder up! Get it for $23.75 here

Toy: Turbo 8 Bullet

Description: Eight speed “bullet” shaped vibrator with attached remote control for easy speed adjustment. Can be purchased with either one or two bullets, depending on model.

Ooh La La Reviews:
● Really enjoy speed and pulse options
● Remote control makes it comfortable for use
● Very powerful clitoral stimulator

Ooh no no reviews:
● Cord from bullet to remote can get in the way if used with partner
● Devices burn out easily if rechargable batteries are used
● Different models make different vibration frequencies, bought similar products but their pulse was more of a “buzzing” – which felt more like a bee-sting than the smooth low and deep pulse of the original

OoOoH-verall: This is the mother of bullet toys. Eight speeds with different pulse options create an array of stimulation options. Bullet has soft removable caps with “tickle” bumps for added stimulation. Great for the novice to the expert.

OoOorder up! Get it for $12.99 here

In conclusion, always remember that sharing toys can spread sexually transmitted infections, so if you share toys, use them with condoms. Always wash your toys before and after use, and store in cool dry place. Most toys that require batteries suggest you remove them between uses to prevent the toy motors from burning out.