Wear an imperfection like a badge. It shows instant gratification is not your thing. You have the capacity to envision a brighter future.
Most of us can think of something we'd love to change about our appearance — a misaligned nose, a crooked smile, body proportions. It's human nature.
Historically appearance was a reflection of health. There wasn't much one could do to alter physical features. But today cosmetic procedures can work miracles - occasionally to our benefit, but often to our detriment.
Consume sugary, acidic processed foods and drinks all day long, yet enjoy a flawless smile with cosmetic dentistry; contour your physique with liposuction; lift sagging breasts and wrinkly skin with injections, lifts or tucks. This is not healthy, or sustainable.
In last week's blog, I expressed concern about the fact that constant media emphasis on flawlessness is exacerbating the growing trend of appearance distress among our youth. Body image issues have become the norm. Even boys obsess about weight and physique. But most disturbing is the extensive use of invasive cosmetic procedures that flawless young people feel the need to undergo.
Heavily promoted invasive treatments, in resource-rich nations, are increasingly contributing to physical and psychological harm. Cosmetic enhancements seldom address underlying cause - especially feelings of inadequacy. And instant gratification reduces resilience, and is correlated with poor quality of life long term. Imagine the cost - physical, mental, monetary!
Being prone to a sense of righteousness at times, I feel compelled to inspire change. As a role model in mid life I start by:
Warning that regardless of whether one is aware that people put their best face forward on social media, being constantly bombarded with flawless images has been shown to cause people to feel inadequate, and increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression.
Complimenting our youth more. Finding the spark within - special talents and gifts - taking the focus away from physical attributes.
Creating awareness for simple lifestyle hacks that promote sustainable optimal weight and glowing skin. See previous blogs.
Pointing out that small breasts can grow naturally beyond puberty, given the right conditions, as in embracing our feminine side - a blog for another occasion. Patience. Larger breasts may sag but can become firm again. Have faith. Natural breasts are essential to nurse an infant to optimal health. Treat breast tissue with the respect deserved.
Highlighting the fact that oily skin in youth may promote natural moisture to prevent wrinkling as we age.
Cautioning against unnecessary use of antibiotics, acutane and birth control pills for acne, which all have countless adverse side effects, including mental health and digestive distress. But, also helping those that have already succumbed to such treatments realize that the body is pretty resilient, and given the right building blocks, it can heal itself.
Empowering youth with the knowledge that excessive acne and unwanted body hair growth in young women, is often due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Having a family physician test: glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, sex hormone binding globulin, lipid levels and androgens, helps diagnose or exclude this very common condition. PCOS can be resolved with a high fibre, low sugar and low refined carbohydrate diet. Consistent, adequate sleep habits and exposure to natural daylight - early in the day - helps address the hormonal imbalances inherent in this syndrome. Guggul may help mitigate acne, and berberine may help with blood sugar issues, pending optimization of diet and lifestyle.
Encouraging our youth to write down daily, at least one thing they love about themselves in their gratitude journal. Downplaying awesomeness does not always serve one well. Remember when you felt naturally invincible in some aspect of your life - and you were?
Beauty is not about physical flawlessness. It radiates from within.Taking some pride in our appearance is health promoting. Sloppiness shows lack of respect for self. But while we may all fret about our imperfections on occasion, obsessing about repairing every minor perceived flaw, leads to poor quality of life. Perfection is overrated.
Please recognize that this content is a combination of science, experience and opinion. I'm not a doctor. Check with a healthcare professional before self-treatment.
Thinking of our children.
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