By
Holly Ames/Medstar TV
Published: Tue, August 14, 2007 - 3:10 pm
The workshop is called the “Natural Beauty Workshop.” Diane Whiting is a health teacher. “I do a unit in body image and self esteem and with 8th grade girls, it’s particularly important.”
Teenager Gina Natoli knows about the pressure to have “the look.” “Who looks good in makeup, who doesn’t? Who looks good in Abercrombie, who doesn’t shop at Abercrombie?”
But the pressure for perfection doesn’t just come from peers. Stacey Antine designed the workshop. “Their influences with the media, the magazines, the television, the internet, I mean they’re exposed to so many things about what’s acceptable.”
Antine says the workshop is aimed at empowering girls through better health. “We know the girls at a young age are very body conscious and so it’s really a great time to actually educate them about nutrition and, you know, how they should feel about themselves from the inside out.”
The girls learn how to read nutrition labels, how to energize the body with a hydrating melon salad and they have fun with a facial mask that can make your mouth water.”
Participants really enjoy it. Abir Ali had a great time. “It was really cool that like you could use fruit and like yogurt just to make your skin look better.”
In addition to the beauty tips, they also take time for thoughtful discussion. Antine says, “I always mention, you know, not to be competitive amongst each other, be supportive of each other. Compete on sports and academics, but no for boys.”
At the end of the day, the message is clear. Participant Christen McHale has the right idea. “Beauty is what you make it and it doesn’t have to be what the media has to say. It’s just you being happy with what you are inside and out.”
The workshop is held at Health Barn USA in Wyckoff, New Jersey. If you would like more information on the program and Health Barn USA just go to www.healthbarnusa.com
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