Websites

-- School Library Journal, 11/1/2005

Body Image

About Face. www.about-face.org. About Face. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 5 Up–About Face is created by a nonprofit group that promotes positive women and girls' self-esteem through education and activism. Advertisements that play on stereotypes and body perfection are identified and showcased in the "Gallery of Offenders." Also included is a "Gallery of Winners," which, unfortunately, isn't as vast as its counterpart. Addresses for fashion industry companies are included so that readers can write letters to thank those that portray women and girls positively or question those that don't.

Adios Barbie. www.adiosbarbie.com. Ophira Edut. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 8 Up–This site, created by a half-Israeli Jewish woman who often felt like a misfit, includes contributions from other women who also didn't feel like they fit society's definition of beauty when they were growing up. This is a great site to help teens learn about how to view their bodies while embracing their genetics and ethnicity. In "Body Outlaw," the editors introduce readers to women who don't fit social expectations but nonetheless have become successful.

Body Image. news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/static/find_out/specials/body_image/html/default.stm. BBC. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 5 Up–This youth-oriented section of the BBC's Web site presents a look at celebrities and how being in the spotlight places pressure on them to be thin. Here, teens are the experts, sharing their own thoughts and concerns about steroids, boys, body image, and being bullied because of one's weight. Visitors can watch a video Webchat between teens on the topic or can sound off about the subject on message boards or by e-mailing their responses to questions posed on the site.

Body Image & Self-Esteem. kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/body_image/body_image.html. Nemours Foundation. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 6 Up–After a brief introduction about self-esteem and body image, this site delves further by addressing how puberty, culture, and home and school life shape individuals' vision of themselves. The site also provides information on eating disorders and tips to help readers improve their self-esteem and body image. Also included are practical suggestions of where and who to turn to for help with eating disorders, depression, and nutrition expertise.

Girl Power! Body Image & You. www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/bodywise/bodyimage. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 3 Up–This site helps introduce the concept of body image to elementary-age girls by encouraging them to understand their own individual bodies and feelings through journal writing, talking with family and friends, and realizing that the media manipulates photos to create an ideal, not realistic, image of women and men. Each section includes activities to help girls better understand themselves, their feelings, and the world around them.

In the Mix: Self Image: The Fantasy, The Reality. www.pbs.org/inthemix/shows/show_self_image.html. PBS. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 6 Up–Using straightforward statistics, Q&As, and many interactive quizzes and teen posts, this site addresses self-image along with male body image, steroid use, and dieting. A transcript of the corresponding TV program is included. The site also directs readers to additional related topics such as media literacy and what's normal. One of these resources is Fit for Life: Eat Smart and Exercise (www.pbs.org/inthemix/shows/show_fitforlife.html), which helps teens focus on concrete and positive behaviors that can improve health and body image.

Soy Unica: Your Body. www.soyunica.gov/mybody/default.aspx. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 5 Up–This site takes a holistic approach at promoting a good self-esteem. In "Positive Body Image," visitors will learn how to love and accept themselves, discover how the media and technology influence how people perceive themselves, and identify key signs of eating disorders. Users will also learn about the importance of good nutrition, healthy snacks, the Food Guide Pyramid, and leading an active lifestyle. In addition, the basics of puberty are explored and a section on emotional puberty and growth and how they connect with positive body images is included. A Spanish-language version is available (www.soyunica.gov/mybody/defaults.aspx).

Teen Health and the Media: Body Image & Nutrition. depts.washington.edu/thmedia/view.cgi?section=bodyimage. Washington State Department of Health. (Accessed 10/03/05).

Gr 6 Up–Users will learn from this health site that media and businesses actually market junk food and fast food specifically to youngsters. They'll also learn that the media sends a mixed message to youth by promoting high fat and sugar products with ultra-thin models. The site includes a "Re-Humanizing Sexual Objects" journal project and an interactive media challenge to get teens to think about the "blurring of entertainment and advertising." Facts about the media, children's health, and eating disorders are provided as are links to recent news articles.

Eating Disorders

Dying to be Thin. www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin. Nova Online. (Accessed 10/04/05).

Gr 7 Up–This companion resource to the NOVA program of the same name, examines life-threatening eating disorders and seeks to reveal the reasons patients are consumed by their obsession with weight. The entire program, which originally aired in 2000, is available for viewing online (RealPlayer or QuickTime is needed). The subjects interviewed candidly disclose their personal struggles and share the medical complications which have ensued. Broken into chapters, each section serves as an ideal starter for group/class discussions. An extensive teacher's guide is filled with viewing ideas and activities.

Eating Disorders Information Index. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=294. National Eating Disorders Association. (Accessed 10/04/05).

Gr 9 Up–This comprehensive resource aims to promote a public understanding of various eating disorders and ultimately provide an information conduit for treatment options. It lists a multitude of articles describing the various disorders, symptoms, and physical/emotional consequences. The site's strength lies in its well-organized grouping of topics. Visitors can easily access information based on gender (Boys/Men and Girls/Women), researcher's role (student, friend, parent), or intended purpose (homework assignment, self-help). Tailored to each group, the articles are age appropriate and written by knowledgeable experts in the field.

Familydoctor.org. familydoctor.org/. American Academy of Family Physicians. (Accessed 10/04/05).

Gr 9 Up–With its no-nonsense interface, this medical database, written and reviewed by physicians and patient education professionals, may not engage a younger audience. But secondary students seeking strictly looking for facts will benefit from its comprehensive coverage of medical topics. Teens have their own dedicated section (familydoctor.org/x5575.xml) focusing on common issues/conditions, including eating disorders, sexuality, and staying healthy. The "Eating Problems" collection contains several articles addressing anorexia, bulimia, and the female athlete triad disorder. Collectively, the site delivers materials for research and self-help while promoting healthy choices and early detection of potential physical ailments. A "Dictionary Of Common Medical Terms," a "Body Mass Index Calculator," and a "Jogging/Running Calorie Counter" are included.

Inside Out. www.girlzone.com/html/insideout.html. Girl Zone. (Accessed 10/04/05).

Gr 7 Up–Part of the Girl Zone Webzine, Inside Out focuses on the theme "what your body does and how it feels." Authors share inspiring stories about dealing with challenging situations that promote a healthy body image and high self-esteem. Among the many articles listed are several that deal with weight management and eating disorders. In true Webzine fashion, many of them are interactive and feature surveys, tests, and quizzes. Despite the barrage of banners and logos strewn across each page, visitors will find essential information as well as helpful additional links. They will also want to check out Girl Zone's home page, which will attract even the most reluctant of researchers with its catchy sections: "Bodyopolis," "Inner City," "Around Town," and "Down Town."

It's My Life. pbskids.org/itsmylife/index.html. Castleworks, Inc. (Accessed 10/04/05).

Gr 5 Up–Organized into six categories (friends, family, school, body, emotions, and money), the informative articles, stories, games, activities, quizzes, polls, and videos on this sitecover the everyday issues that affect kids all over the world. "It's My Life is for kids, about kids, and most importantly, by kids." "Body"contains links encouraging good nutrition and exercise choices, and the informative and thought-provoking articles on eating disorders are a major strength of the site. Profiles of common symptoms of various disorders are documented so readers can make personal connections to the case studies. The recently released USDA MyPyramid food guide (www.mypyramid.gov/) is not included. A Flash plug-in and RealPlayer are required to fully utilize all features.

Wired for Health. www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk. Health Development Agency. (Accessed 10/04/05).

K Up–The United Kingdom's Health Development Agency has developed four different sites to meet their National Curriculum and National Healthy School Standard: Welcome to Welltown (for ages 5-7); Galaxy H (for ages 7-11); LifeBytes (for ages 11-14); and Mind, Body & Soul (for ages 14-16),each of which can be accessed from the Wired for Health home page. While the design and level of readability are tailored for the target audience of each proactive site, the creative graphic interfaces and diagrams will attract and hold the attention of all patrons and will clearly illustrate points and facts. The interactive activities are geared to teach healthy options for eating and well-being. Though the curriculums addressed are slightly different than those in the U.S., the message of nurturing good habits is universal. A Flash plug-in and ample virtual memory are required.