It turns out body shaming starts long before it should.

Do you remember when you started to question your body’s appearance? I do. I was about 11, 12 years old when someone in my class started talking about “big” and “little” kids. After that, I became more aware of my body, and that was not a good thing.

Well, it turns out I wasn’t the only child who began paying attention to her weight before hitting puberty.

The study

The journal Child Development recently conducted a study that examined how soon kids are exposed to weight shaming. Brace yourselves… Apparently, the shaming starts in first grade.

That’s right. Kids who are about six, seven, or eight years old are judging each others’ bodies. And you guessed it. Overweight kids bear the brunt of the verbal cruelty.

“The study included 1,164 kids across 29 schools in Oklahoma, and showed that obese children were neglected by peers, while severely obese children were outright rejected and were more likely to show early signs of depression,” Teen Vogue reports.

“Children who are ostracized, as occurred with the severely overweight children in our study, suffer great harm, with feelings of loneliness, depression, and aggression, and these children are more likely to skip school and drop out later,” Amanda W. Harrist, professor of child development at Oklahoma State University and study researcher, adds.

Younger generations have it really bad

Remember how I said I began feeling “body pressure” when I was 11, 12 years old? Kids now have it a lot worse.

A recent Yahoo News survey asked 1,993 American teens and adults, aged 13-64, when they first felt ashamed of their bodies. The group’s average answer was between 13 and 14 years old. But the younger generations are feeling that pressure earlier, apparently.

“In the survey, teens ages 13-17 reported that their first bout of body shame occurred as young as 9 or 10 years old,” Yahoo News reports.

Kids feel body shame via classmates, television, and social media, and one in four Americans said their parents contributed to their body-conscious feelings.

“For the majority (60 percent) of survey respondents, that initial experience of body shame was because someone—most often a classmate or friend—made a comment about their physique,” Yahoo News adds.

“Other triggers included seeing a photo of themselves (30 percent), closely followed by comparing themselves to someone they know and trying on clothes (28 percent each).”

I feel for all the kids growing up in today’s society. Let’s just hope the body positivity campaigns that have gained popularity over the past few years can make a lasting difference and decrease the shame.

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Image of kids playing via Shutterstock

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In recent years, some studies — albeit controversial studies — have suggested that marijuana can have adverse affects on “the maturing adolescent brain,” Science Magazine reports. However, a recent breakthrough study found that there may be “no measurable link between marijuana use and lower IQ.”

Most of us have smoked weed at some point in our lives. And if the conversations I’ve had with friends and family are universal, most people had their first toke when they were in junior high or high school.

But according to the study, conducted by Nicholas Jackson of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and his colleagues, that may not be such a bad thing. As this study differs from previous research that only examined a “single snapshot in time.”

Jackson’s study examined 789 pairs of adolescent twins between the ages of 9 and 11 from two ongoing studies. “Over the course of 10 years, the team administered five intelligence tests and confidential surveys about marijuana use,” Science reports. The researchers also asked about “other drug use such as opioid painkillers, cocaine, and binge drinking. Marijuana users lost about four IQ points over the course of the study. But their abstinent twin siblings showed a similar pattern of decline, suggesting that the loss of mental sharpness was due to something other than pot.”

Jackson says that the study’s findings lead the researchers to think the “something else” was something in the twins’ shared environment — most likely home life, school, and peers.

While this study is making waves right now, another recent study found similar results.

This separate study was conducted by Valerie Curran, psychopharmacologist at the University College London, and her colleagues.  The study examined 2,000 non-twin British teens.

While these studies were well written and researched, they still don’t prove without a doubt that marijuana doesn’t harm teens’ brains.

Related on EcoSalon

Is Smoking Weed the Secret to a Successful Relationship?

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Cannabis Helps Professional Runners Perform Better

Image of teen smoking weed via Shutterstock

The post Is Your Brain Totally Shot if You Smoked Weed as a Teen? appeared first on EcoSalon.

We search far and wide to find out how to prevent wrinkles. Could exercise be the true fountain of youth?

The latest connection between exercise and skin aging will make you want to cinch up your runners. Not only can it prevent the signs of aging on skin, but actually reverses damage already done.

It’s no secret that as we age our skin takes a landslide. The reason? Our outer layer of skin, called the stratum corneum, becomes thicker and drier. The layer just under this top layer, the dermis, becomes thinner and loses elasticity. These natural stages of skin aging are what cause wrinkling, sagging, dull looking skin often experienced after we hit the big 4-0.

We rub, scrub, pat, and polish in hopes of keeping our youthful complexion intact. Some even resort to more extreme measures of plumping and filling. But have we been overlooking a simpler, much more natural way of anti-aging? What if all we need is a decent pair of kicks and access to a treadmill or the great outdoors to keep skin in tip top shape?

A study by McMaster University in Ontario conducted last year shows that heart pumping exercise has benefits beyond burning calories. Inspired by a previous study on mice that showed promising anti-aging effects due to exercise, the research team put this theory to the test with humans. The scientists brought together male and female volunteers, aged 20-84. The group included individuals who exercised regularly and those who were minimally active. Because they wanted to test skin that had minimal sun exposure, butt cheeks were biopsied and examined under a microscope.

Where age was concerned, the sample results were about as expected. Older folks had thicker outer layers and thinner inner layers than younger volunteers. Then the scientist examined the samples by exercise habits. The results showed that volunteers over 40 who exercised more regularly had much thinner outer layers and thicker inner layers, more similar to those in the 20-30 age group. And some of these were over 65.

Yeah, but could this all be chalked up to exercise? Really??, you may be asking. Well, the research team at McMaster U wanted to know too. So they formed a group of volunteers, 65 and older, who were normally sedentary, and had them begin regular exercise. At the end of three months, the volunteers had new skin biopsies.

And guess what? The skin of these formerly sedentary participants looked pretty darn similar to those of the 20-40 year olds. This is a big deal. It suggests that regular exercise not only keeps skin younger, but can actually reverse signs of aging. Even when started after the age of 65.

How can this be? The answer is not crystal clear, but the researchers have a theory. Myokines, substances that enter the bloodstream when working out, create cellular change. Skin samples of volunteers who began exercising contained almost 50 percent more of these substances than when they were more sedentary. And no, myokine-replicated skin care would likely not produce the same benefits. Getting your sweat on is the only way to get in on this good stuff.

We already knew that regularly working out keeps our body and cardiovascular system in good shape and relieves stress. Now we find out it may actually be better at keeping skin youthful than any cream? That sure moves the daily run to the top of our priorities list.

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Image of woman running via Shutterstock

The post How to Prevent Wrinkles? Lace Up Your Runners appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ketchup can get healthier, and under 5 minutes!

Ketchup is the mother of all condiments. It’s sweet and salty and pairs with just about anything,  even when the combo seems intuitively odd. I, for instance, have long praised the healing powers of ketchup and white rice, and a friend of mine can’t bear to eat scrambled eggs without it. Ketchup has carved an indelible spot in our food psyches – it’s a classic that some estimates claim can be found in 97% of U.S. households.

Tracing its origins to China, Ketchup was first introduced in the U.S. in 1837. By 1900, ketchup was sold by more than 100 manufacturers. In 1872, HJ Heinz introduced his version of the condiment at the Philadelphia Fair, and to this day, the recipe has remained unchanged. Over the years, first for sanitary reasons and later for marketing’s sake, the FDA has developed strict guidelines concerning the consistency of ketchup and ingredients in it.

Behind the classic lies not so uplifting stats. Ingredients in Heinz Ketchup include tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder, and natural flavoring. While the list is relatively simple, high-fructose corn syrup is a known culprit, so much to the point that many are beginning to backfire, claiming it is “unfairly maligned.” Truth is, it deserves the flack!

In a 2010 Princeton University study, researchers found that high-fructose corn syrup leads to considerable weight gain, at a rate higher than other sweeteners. According to the study, which was administered on rats, those fed high-fructose corn syrup gained much more weight than those fed table sugar, even with the same caloric intake. The lab animals on a long-term high-fructose corn syrup diet experience abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the belly. Researchers noted that even rats on a high-fat diet don’t gain weight to that extent.

In 1 tablespoon of Heinz Ketchup, there are 20 calories, 160 milligrams of sodium, 6 grams carbohydrates, and 4 grams of sugar. The benefits deriving from the plum tomatoes are outweighed by the compounding calorie, sodium, and sugar dosages. Whoever just stops at 1 tablespoon? A few tablespoons in, and you’ve got yourself a condiment that threatens meal-status.

A condiment should never derail a diet, but many of us don’t know when to stop dipping, because serving sizes are never that clean cut. That’s why I’ve put together this simple homemade ketchup that you can whip up without laboring over the stove, risking your fries going frigid.

Using the same elements – tomatoes, sweetener, and vinegar – I’ve upped the ante on their health benefits. Maple syrup is one of the healthiest sweeteners on the market, with a lower glycemic index than other mainstream sugars. Apple cider vinegar, especially one that is indicated as “raw,” is full of vitamins, minerals, pectin, and beta-carotene. It also boasts many benefits – treats sunburn, helps weight loss, removes teeth stains, cures severe acne, treats digestive ailments, fights allergies, and reduces cholesterol.

Enjoy!

2-minute Homemade Ketchup

Makes just over 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
• 1/4 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. No cooking required!

Add lukewarm water by the teaspoon to reach the consistency you crave.

Serve aside sweet potato French fries or lather on top of a vegan chickpea burger!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

Images: Overthinking Me, Aylin Erman

The post Nutritional Breakdown: Revamping America’s Favorite Condiment: Ketchup [Recipe] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Steal Michelle Williams on-screen style and channel your inner Marilyn with these figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics.

While she initially seemed an unlikely choice, Michelle Williams morphed seamlessly into the role of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe. A performance which has, so far, earned her a third Oscar-nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Never known for her sex appeal, Williams is now embracing it fully, showing us all just how versatile a great actress can be. We love her own understated pixie haircut and cool, casual Brooklyn-style but thinks she shines especially bright in this Vogue editoral, shot by Annie Leibovitz. With some figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics, we an all channel our inner Marilyn.

High-waisted Pencil Skirt
This “Secretary Skirt” by Study puts a slight spin on the classic high-waisted pencil skirt by adding some interesting details. Made in New York, from 50% cotton and 50% recycled polyester.
$198, Juno & Jove

Fitted White Shirt
Made from 100% organic cotton, this “Shrunken Shirt” by Organic by John Patrick features double button pleated cuffs and French seams. Tuck it into your skirt and leave a few buttons open at the top.
$198, Juno & Jove

Sexy Undies
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. We’re pretty sure that Marilyn (or Michelle) would not have walked out the door without some hot-looking undies underneath that outfit. This set is by Clare Bare, a Brooklyn based designer specializing in eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made locally using sustainable design practices, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware.
Gigi Bralette, $52 & Gigi Garter Hot Short, $50, both Clare Bare

Black Eyeliner
Nothing is more crucial to re-creating than a good eyeliner. This matte, satin-finish liner by Alima is easy to apply and contains nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified, luxurious mineral pigments.
$11, FutureNatural 

The post Celebrity Knockoff: Michelle Williams As Marilyn Monroe appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s easy to rush around department stores with our girlfriends, feasting our eyes on sale items while rarely consciously connecting with the items we’re buying. After all, we’re Americans and we just want the most we can get with our money, right?

Conscious choices require conscious shoppers and new online shopping venue FashionStake intends to make you think before you buy.

With a tag line that reads “The Fashion Democracy,” we can’t say enough about how they do make shopping fair for all, interpreting fashion in how we look at our purchases and how designers fill our orders.

FashionStake is essentially a designer trunk show with you, the shopper at the helm, having control over whether the designers actually produce. You shop, you pre-order, you wait for the masses to help make the maximum order threshold and when met, the piece goes into production, your credit card is charged and you get something you really want. By using this pre-order model, the site is able to access designs before they hit stores and only make exactly what has already been ordered – and at a lower price point than what other shops will be offering in spring.

Fashion democracy!

The FashionStake website says the idea was born out of founder Vivian Weng’s personal frustration.

“After spending her life working with major designers such as Elie Tahari and ESCADA, as well as emerging designers such as Jeffrey Monteiro, Vivian knew first-hand how difficult it was for designers to reach their target audience, no matter how amazing their collections were. Moreover, as a fashion-lover, she was frustrated at paying sky-high prices at department stores for relatively uninspiring items. The fashion industry seemed broken.”

So Weng is fixing it and we are more than elated she’s pulled in four top notch sustainable designers for her “Holiday Showcase” roster including amazing (really, read his story) silk scarves by  David Peck, dresses (and the above rad jumpsuit) from Tara St James of Study, jewelry by Mociun and eco-friendly hand bags from Collina Strada.

All sales end December 20th so get on it and order!

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Transitioning from summer to fall is all about using what you have in your wardrobe and mixing in a few key pieces to update your look. The harem pant has been around all season and now is the time to give it another stylish life! Try tucking it into over-the-knee boots for a fully covered fall look. A well fitted white blouse never goes out of style and you can play with your look by keeping it outside of your pants and belting it at the waist or tucking it in for a more tailored look. Finally, a woven straw clutch is the perfect piece to use when transitioning- it keeps your outfit looking fresh and light while the fall weather is still warm and can add a little interest to you overall look.

Here are the eco-options for these fall essentials:

1. Jen Straw Clutch with Turquoise Clasp from Kayu Design.

2. Organic Cotton Snap Shirt from Study.

3. Harem Pants from Knit Wit.

4. Dillon Over-Knee Wedge Boot from Cri de Coeur.

The post Fallback Outfit appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’ve just discovered this satellite radio channel called 1st Wave. It plays alternative ’80s rock that’s mined right out of my undergrad years. The Cure, REM, The Smiths, Pretenders, The Clash. I guess it’s kind of like my oldies station. (I can’t believe I even have an oldies station.) I drive around listening to this stuff and the memories pour in. Not just where or when I heard a song (read: what party, with whom and how wasted), but deeply visceral sensations, echoes of entire swaths of time and their accompanying gestalts – i.e., that summer of love or that winter of discontent. It’s about memories, yes, but it’s more than that. These songs actually reproduce a mood. It’s an odd sensation that I’ve chalked up to some kind of clinical nostalgia.

But maybe not. My editor just sent me this story from the BBC: “Study to develop ‘musical prescriptions’ for patients.”

Turns out these scientists at Glasgow Caledonian University are using a “mixture of psychology and audio engineering” to see how music can elicit specific responses. The plan is to analyze everything from tone, to pitch, to lyrics and even “associated thoughts” to accurately chart listeners responses and perhaps one day create music regimens that can take care of emotional needs. The potential here is to write music prescriptions to “help those suffering physical pain or conditions like depression.”

It isn’t any secret that our environment affects our moods. And if you pollute your ears, your mind will surly follow (sorry). So, in some ways there’s a No Sh*t Sherlock factor to this story. The BBC itself reported not too long ago stories such as “Music therapy ‘restores vision‘” and “‘Music helped me recover from stroke.'” Of course, too, there’s the Washington Post reporting  just last month that “single French women were more likely to accept the advances of an average-looking man after listening to a romantic song.” And not to put too fine a point on it, there was another nifty story just the other day called “Five ways to have better sex through music.” Indeed.

The goal of the study is to “develop a mathematical model that explains music’s ability to communicate different emotions.” In the future, computer programs might be able to identify very specific sound packages that will have very specific effects on our states of mind.

“Music expresses emotion as a result of many factors,” says Audio engineer Dr Don Knox, who is leading the study. “These include the tone, structure and other technical characteristics of a piece. Lyrics can have a big impact too.” Indeed, the BBC story points out, some online music stores and services use terms like “happy” and “sad” to describe a piece of music objectively, like musicovery. Of course, memories also play a role, and our subjective perceptions also factor into a response.

What form could an Rx take? Of course, there would be the free prescription that costs a couple hundred an hour. “Listen to this and call me in the morning.” But programming presentation descriptors – think iTunes happy section or Pandora mellow music – could soon have a real scientific basis to them. Mood Music. No, really.

Next time you’re jamming to some tune, your mood swaying to and fro along with the rest of you, know that somebody’s looking into it. And who knows, maybe one day Pfizer will wonder why sales are slumping and there’s dancing in the streets. Maybe The Cure were, in fact “¦

Image: flattop341

The post More than a Feeling: Prescribing Music to Alter Moods appeared first on EcoSalon.

Oh, sunscreen, the bane of my summer existence. For me it’s like using condoms: annoying and inconvenient, but by golly, it has to be done.

And unless you like your skin done up like chicken-fried steak, you’d better pay attention to sunscreens that work. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested over 1,600 different sunscreens and found that only about 5% of those had safe, non-toxic ingredients and actually protected your skin.

Almost half of the sunscreens tested contain oxybenzone, an endocrine disruptor that may actually contribute to skin cancer. Yikes. Again, check those labels and know what you’re putting on your skin!

I highly recommend perusing EWG’s detailed studies. The information is very accessible and you can enter your favorite brands to see how they rate.

Image: lanuiop

The post You Wear Sunscreen, But Does It Actually Work? appeared first on EcoSalon.

A new study conducted by Swedish and American scientists accidentally uncovered a possible link between an environmental chemical and autism.

The original focus of the study was to look at causes of allergies and indoor air pollutants. But one of the questions asked of the Swedish families taking part in the study turned up an interesting curve ball. On asking the families what type of flooring was in their houses, the researchers discovered that there was a high incidence of children with autism in homes that had vinyl floor covering.

It’s known that vinyl floors can emit phthalates. And previous studies have already shown a link between phthalates and allergies and asthma. In 2004, for example,  a study found that there was a higher rate of asthma and allergies among children living in households with dust containing phthalates. But this is the first time that a possible connection between phthalates and autism has been uncovered.

Researchers discovered, on further analysis of the survey data, that  four environmental factors in particular seem to be associated with autism: vinyl flooring, the mother’s smoking, family economic problems, and condensation on windows.

With the incidence of autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, having increased tremendously over the past 20 years, these findings could be an important key to understanding why.

The scientists themselves have found the connections “intriguing and baffling” and warn that their results are “far from conclusive”.  However, with these clues indicating that environmental conditions are contributing to autism disorders,  they believe that further study is warranted.

Image: Jesse Millan

The post The Baffling Link Between Vinyl Flooring and Autism appeared first on EcoSalon.