Teaching Health & Increasing Consciousness & Knowledge
A Resource For People Of Size
Copyright © 2005 2105 - THICKSistah.com - THICK Companies © , All Rights Reserved.
No materials, including but not limited to: pictures, articles, verbiage may be used with out the written consent of the editor of ThickSistah.com!
All Violators will be prosecuted.
No materials, including but not limited to: pictures, articles, verbiage may be used with out the written consent of the editor of ThickSistah.com!
All Violators will be prosecuted.
New!
Obesity Related Diseases
• 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity
• 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity
• 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed in obese individuals
• 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity
• 26% of obese people having high blood pressure
• 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity
• 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity
• 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed in obese individuals
• 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity
• 26% of obese people having high blood pressure
I remember when I was nine or ten years old and played the piano in front of my first audience at a recital. Even though I was nervous, I took a deep breath and imagined that it was just I alone at home practicing as usual. I told myself that I was practicing for the recital and that it was very important to not make a mistake. Soon, the last note was played and I stood up, looked to my right, and there were my mother and sisters joining others who offered me a standing ovation. I was quite satisfied, but even though I mastered the art of music, I couldn't shake the negative opinions of those I came in contact with everyday in grade school.
I was constantly teased and made fun of. Not for reasons of obesity, but because of the clothes I wore. Since my mother was a single parent, she couldn't afford to buy me all the latest fashions. I remember wearing a pair of shoes called grasshoppers. The style was completely out dated for a child. The first day I wore them, I became the target for insults, which left my psyche scared throughout junior high. Needless to say that my self-image was a disaster!
In time, I learned not to listen to other's remarks about me. I graduated from high school and enrolled in college. Since I was raised in a very strict environment, dating was the last thing on my mind. So it was no secret that I had never had an official date. After hearing a call for contestants for the Miss Black Coastal Bend Pageant, I sought to find a sponsor. Though I was determined to enter, I continued to hear a nagging voice in the back of my mind, telling me that there was no way I'd win. "You aren't even the pageant type!" The words of my grade school classmates came out of hiding --from where I thought was their burial ground. But now I would finally face the issue once and for all! I did enter the pageant and was set for everything the agenda for the evening called for, except an escort. Who would I ask? I knew of no one. My high school friend had an older brother and her sister was the pageant's coordinator. I had the help of both of them to recruit their sibling as my escort!
No, I did not officially win the pageant but stepping out of my shell and taking a risk on my self-confidence paid off. The pageant ended much like the first American Idol Contest did. Everyone knew who the real winner was. I placed as 1st runner up and won Ms. Congeniality. In spite of not winning, that night was the turning point in my life!
Not only did I gain the confidence to strive for greater. . . . . I entered other pageants and I traveled throughout Texas, Mexico and appeared several times on national television as I represented my city. And you know what? That escort for the night became my first boyfriend, my very first love. Having no confidence became a thing of the past! I became the young woman I was born to be. It was inside of me all along. Entering my first pageant was the avenue that freed me. Your self-confidence awaits you as well. In order to get on track you must first get on the road! If not a pageant, perhaps a course in a favorite subject, volunteering, even bungee jumping! There are many ways to tap into your destiny! ð
On The Road To Self-Confidence!
By: Tracy Lightner
By: Tracy Lightner
Poetry Corner
Its Been Too Long
You win.
I give up the fight, I don’t need you in my life.
You said your love was real
I’ve forgot your smile and how you feel.
Though I hope and I pray
It won’t take the pain away
I miss your special touch
Caring so long has cost too much.
I can’t see me hanging on.
All the hurt has made me strong
There no you left in my mind
Something else has found your time.
Its been too long
Its been too long
I must go on.
T. Dionne Copyright 2005
- May not use without prior
written permission.
You win.
I give up the fight, I don’t need you in my life.
You said your love was real
I’ve forgot your smile and how you feel.
Though I hope and I pray
It won’t take the pain away
I miss your special touch
Caring so long has cost too much.
I can’t see me hanging on.
All the hurt has made me strong
There no you left in my mind
Something else has found your time.
Its been too long
Its been too long
I must go on.
T. Dionne Copyright 2005
- May not use without prior
written permission.
Chart Your State’s Obesity from 1990-2006
Obesity In America-Revolution Health
Is Obesity A Social Disease?
That’sFit.com
‘Hairspray’ addresses Hollywood's view point on plus size women
NewsOK.com
Curvy, 40+ and Fabulous
Tallahassee.com
Lane Bryant Launches Right Fit Jeans
Just-style.com
Plus size & Big & Tall Clothing in the US
Just-style.com
Project PAT-Helping You Fight Childhood Obesity
Revolution Health.com
Obesity In America-Revolution Health
Is Obesity A Social Disease?
That’sFit.com
‘Hairspray’ addresses Hollywood's view point on plus size women
NewsOK.com
Curvy, 40+ and Fabulous
Tallahassee.com
Lane Bryant Launches Right Fit Jeans
Just-style.com
Plus size & Big & Tall Clothing in the US
Just-style.com
Project PAT-Helping You Fight Childhood Obesity
Revolution Health.com
Teaching Health & Increasing Consciousness & Knowledge
A Resource For People Of Size
Interesting. . .
Nov. 15, 2004 -- When a person is morbidly obese, their sex life often suffers. Desire for sex, performance, and enjoyment can nosedive. Many simply avoid sex altogether, new research shows.
In fact, morbidly obese people are 25 times more likely to report problems in their sex lives, compared with normal-weight people. "What struck us was this magnitude of difference… far greater than any of us expected," researcher Martin Binks, PhD, a psychologist and director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University Medical Center, tells WebMD.
Binks presented his report at the annual meeting of The North American Association for the Study of Obesity held in Las Vegas.
"It's a difficult topic for people to talk about, men and women alike," says Binks. "Yet the fact that the majority of the American population is overweight, we're going to see more people affected by this. This is not just a physical issue; it's a psychosocial issue involving body image and performance anxiety." Click Here
Nov. 15, 2004 -- When a person is morbidly obese, their sex life often suffers. Desire for sex, performance, and enjoyment can nosedive. Many simply avoid sex altogether, new research shows.
In fact, morbidly obese people are 25 times more likely to report problems in their sex lives, compared with normal-weight people. "What struck us was this magnitude of difference… far greater than any of us expected," researcher Martin Binks, PhD, a psychologist and director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University Medical Center, tells WebMD.
Binks presented his report at the annual meeting of The North American Association for the Study of Obesity held in Las Vegas.
"It's a difficult topic for people to talk about, men and women alike," says Binks. "Yet the fact that the majority of the American population is overweight, we're going to see more people affected by this. This is not just a physical issue; it's a psychosocial issue involving body image and performance anxiety." Click Here
A growing number of obese women are undergoing stomach surgery to help them get pregnant.
Doctors in London report a rise in those paying up to £6,000 to be fitted with gastric bands to help them lose weight.
Research shows overweight women are up to 50 per cent less fertile than those of normal weight.
NHS clinics are refusing to offer in vitro fertilisation to women with a body mass index of more than 30 - the "obesity threshold" - and guidelines issued by the British Fertility Society say obese women should not be allowed fertility treatment.
Twenty per cent of patients referred to obesity units at Hammersmith Hospital are women who say their weight is stopping them having a family. Most are referred for intensive diet training but up to 100 will have surgery over the next two years, according to obesity consultant Dr Carel Le Roux.
He said: "This is a very new phenomenon - Obviously there is a growing-problem with obesity. Surgery is not the norm but it is happening."
Surgeons say at least a dozen women have already had the procedure, which involves reducing the size of the stomach with a tie so that only small meals can be eaten.
One size 28 woman paid almost £6,000 for a gastric band after suffering two miscarriages. Doctors believed the problem was a fibroid tumour caused by her size but said they could not operate safely until she lost weight.
One patient told the Evening Standard: "I know my size played a part in my pregnancy problems - it is very upsetting but you have to be honest with yourself.
"I have struggled with my weight for so long that a gastric band seemed the best option."
She is now a size 18 and working with Harley Street gynaecologist Adrian Lower to become pregnant again.
He said: "For the first time in 30 years I am seeing women prepared to go through major surgery because they are not sufficiently motivated or not able to lose weight."
A recent study of 3,000 women found that conception rates drop as women's sizes increase.
Those with a body mass index of more than 35 were up to 49 per cent less likely to conceive than those with an index of between 21 and 29.
Obesity is linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, one of the main causes of infertility in which the ovaries produce too much male hormone and develop cysts.
However, doctors are increasingly seeing obese women with "unexplained" fertility problems but apparently normal ovaries.
Majid Hashemi, obesity surgeon at University College Hospital, said: "These are women who are simply too heavy to be pregnant and their doctors advise them to get help."
Doctors in London report a rise in those paying up to £6,000 to be fitted with gastric bands to help them lose weight.
Research shows overweight women are up to 50 per cent less fertile than those of normal weight.
NHS clinics are refusing to offer in vitro fertilisation to women with a body mass index of more than 30 - the "obesity threshold" - and guidelines issued by the British Fertility Society say obese women should not be allowed fertility treatment.
Twenty per cent of patients referred to obesity units at Hammersmith Hospital are women who say their weight is stopping them having a family. Most are referred for intensive diet training but up to 100 will have surgery over the next two years, according to obesity consultant Dr Carel Le Roux.
He said: "This is a very new phenomenon - Obviously there is a growing-problem with obesity. Surgery is not the norm but it is happening."
Surgeons say at least a dozen women have already had the procedure, which involves reducing the size of the stomach with a tie so that only small meals can be eaten.
One size 28 woman paid almost £6,000 for a gastric band after suffering two miscarriages. Doctors believed the problem was a fibroid tumour caused by her size but said they could not operate safely until she lost weight.
One patient told the Evening Standard: "I know my size played a part in my pregnancy problems - it is very upsetting but you have to be honest with yourself.
"I have struggled with my weight for so long that a gastric band seemed the best option."
She is now a size 18 and working with Harley Street gynaecologist Adrian Lower to become pregnant again.
He said: "For the first time in 30 years I am seeing women prepared to go through major surgery because they are not sufficiently motivated or not able to lose weight."
A recent study of 3,000 women found that conception rates drop as women's sizes increase.
Those with a body mass index of more than 35 were up to 49 per cent less likely to conceive than those with an index of between 21 and 29.
Obesity is linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, one of the main causes of infertility in which the ovaries produce too much male hormone and develop cysts.
However, doctors are increasingly seeing obese women with "unexplained" fertility problems but apparently normal ovaries.
Majid Hashemi, obesity surgeon at University College Hospital, said: "These are women who are simply too heavy to be pregnant and their doctors advise them to get help."
New!
Chloe Marshall is the teenage beauty queen who broke the mould by becoming the first size 16 beauty queen contender to make it to the finals of the Miss England contest.
And now she reveals her shapely body in the official Miss England bikini – not forgetting her tiara of course – in her first bikini photoshoot since winning the Miss Surrey title.
Posing confidently poolside in the brief white gem-embossed Miss England bikini which she'll wear in the pageant in July, Chloe appears completely lacking in self-consciousness.
The 17-year-old trainee beautician doesn't look like your average beauty queen. And she couldn't be happier about it.
She said: "It's what I was born to do – posing for the camera. And as I keep saying, I love my body.
"People seem desperate to get me to say that I don't, that deep down I'm not happy and would rather be thin, but the fact is I wouldn't change myself at all.
"Do I have fat days? Of course, but what woman doesn't!"
Chloe beat a host of slimmer hopefuls to be named Miss Surrey earlier this month, and hopes to win the national competition in July.
See more on the -Daily Mail
Size 16 Miss England hopeful Chloe unveils a curvy look in first official bikini shoot
-Daily Mail
-Daily Mail
Is Black Romance Still Alive? Click Here for full article!
In a society where the divorce rate peaks yearly and inter-racial union is the norm, broadcaster and publisher Dotun Adebayo, still believes black relationships are progressive and lasting “Black men and women just want to get together and build their relationship even though we are faced with so much negativity, people don’t believe that black monogamous couples exist… what kind of argument is that,” he charged.
Adebayo, who co-hosts the BBC London Sunday Night Special current affairs programme alongside Carroll Thompson, his musician wife of six-years, said black people have led and are still leading successful relationships with their own.
“Every single guy I’ve played football with are black men who are in relationships with black women and they are not polygamous relationships,” said the 46-year-old presenter.
In a society where the divorce rate peaks yearly and inter-racial union is the norm, broadcaster and publisher Dotun Adebayo, still believes black relationships are progressive and lasting “Black men and women just want to get together and build their relationship even though we are faced with so much negativity, people don’t believe that black monogamous couples exist… what kind of argument is that,” he charged.
Adebayo, who co-hosts the BBC London Sunday Night Special current affairs programme alongside Carroll Thompson, his musician wife of six-years, said black people have led and are still leading successful relationships with their own.
“Every single guy I’ve played football with are black men who are in relationships with black women and they are not polygamous relationships,” said the 46-year-old presenter.
Thick Expressions
Up To The Minute News On What Concerns You!
Obese Women Turn to Surgery to Get Pregnant
-Daily Mail
-Daily Mail
Obese Women Turn to Surgery to Get Pregnant
-Daily Mail
-Daily Mail
To Make a Resolution or Not: That is the Question!
by Ruthie Richardson-Robinson - www.trcentertainment.com
As we embrace yet another New Year’s Day, millions of
women all over the world are preparing both verbal and written
promises to resolve bad eating habits, harmful lifestyles and
hurtful relationships that have plagued them year after year.
Regardless of race, nationality, and eye or hair color making
New Year’s resolutions appear to be a common thread
among most modern women. “Out with the old and in with the
new”, we guarantee as we take our last alcoholic drinks, eat the last pieces of fried chicken ever (or so we say), make promises to exercise more and make the final phone call (for real this time) to a boyfriend who refuses to commit. Nevertheless, it seems that every year we make a lot of different promises that for one reason or another we cannot keep.
Could it be that we make promises we cannot keep because we really have not resolved the true issues that trouble us in our lives? I read a text from the bible recently and this is not an exact quote, “...that out of the heart comes the issues of life”. I mention it because it is true for a lot of women. The personal issues we face in our lives sometimes flow as heavy and regularly as the blood flows from the human heart to the entire body. Believe me when I say, “that’s a whole lot of issues”. I encounter many women each day working in the music industry and on a historically black college campus where I serve as an administrator. Many of these ladies admit that their lives are in pieces and shambles for numerous reasons, but mainly due to a lack of direction, guidance and a failure to resolve unresolved issues. But when one feels their life is in a million pieces how does one become whole again? Can we merely pick up the pieces and glue them back together? Especially, if we are trying to live wholesome lives after years of abuse, neglect, self-hatred, and sometimes reckless and dangerous living. Is it even fair to continue making promises to ourselves and loved ones in hope that we soon may find the one resolution that we can finally stick to?
A good friend of mine and author Charlene Neal Keitt recently wrote and released a book entitled, “A Journey into Wholeness”. (See www.cneal-keitt.com or www.myspace.com/ajourneyintowholeness for information on the book.) While traveling to Las Vegas over the holidays, I read the entire book from cover to cover. In this book the author talks about her own journey to healing and becoming whole after many years of a life riddled by abuse, low self-esteem, failed relationships, and shame. By the time my flight landed I had concluded that no one can ever be truly whole in this life until they learn to face the truth about themselves no matter how bad the truth may be and then start over again. Being able to tell the truth really makes you feel better about yourself. I truly believe the word of God as it proclaims, “… ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. I think the sooner anyone faces the truth about themselves the sooner they can heal, be made whole and set free from what limits them as a person. In turn, there would be no need to make unrealistic resolutions that cannot be kept.
As you enter into a new year of fresh starts, new beginnings, and new opportunities embrace who you are and where you are in your life. If where you are looks like a place you do not desire to be, then change your location. Maybe you should enroll in that masters program you keep dreaming about semester after semester. If who you are today is not who you desire to be for the rest of your life due to self limitations or life’s twists and turns; then design a plan that will place you on the path to begin your journey into wholeness and healing. Don’t let unresolved personal issues shape the rest of your year or your life. If you do, then next year this time you may be making the same broken promises to yourself.
New!
My Weight Does Not Define Me - My Qualities Do!
By: Ms. Davis, Travel Agent
Almost two years ago I had surgery, after which my weight stayed the same and I even lost some weight; but over the time of recuperation I picked up much to the astonishment of my family. Granted I do not have a “skinny” family but yet they view my weight gain as “seriously needing to be rectified NOW”. I understand that for my height that I am quite hippy and that at this time there is not much I can do as I continue to recuperate but I know that eating healthier is my main focus for 2009. I currently eat 1 to 2 times a day and have been told by my doctors that is a main factor of weight gain, for my body thinks it is starving so it is trying to store food. Okay I get that and remember all that from nutrition courses in college. I am just not always hungry! Try telling that to my family. No it’s all my fault and I need to hurry up and lose it so that I can be happy and find a husband.
1.Who said I am not happy? No, things did not go according to plan on the time frame of recovery from surgery. Nor do I have “extra” money like I did when I was in corporate America. No things may have not gone the way I planned for myself as 30 something (did you think I was going to tell you my age?! J). But I am happy. Who can define happiness for ME but ME?! Really! Let’s get real and realize that we can only live this life for one person and that is for ourselves. We cannot live for our kids (we can guide and advise), our siblings or even our friends. We can be there for others, love and befriend them - but live for; we can never do!
2.Find a husband. Hmmm…. I am old school and biblical about this. ( Proverbs 18:22 (New International Version) “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD”)
I am not actively looking for a mate. I am not the pick-up kind of woman and for those who are - I am not knocking YOUR tactics. J I am friendly, I date and who finds me finds me. If it blossoms great -if not great. That’s life. I believe that God will ordain the relationship that will lead to marriage for me. J
So in 2009 I will be drinking more water ( oh LORD help!), drinking more Tahitian Noni Juice, and taking my Juice Plus supplements to make sure that on days I eat bad or few meals that my body receives the nutrients it needs to function! But I am doing everything for me - for I am the one who has to live with this body-no one else.
I am happy for who I am, yes I want to lose this weight - I want to be a size * again. (no not 2!) But overall it’s about the qualities that make me who I am. I am the one people call for prayer, for emergencies, for business connections, for advice , to vent, to rally, to encourage and just to talk; for they know that I keep people’s business to myself. That is who I am. And that is who my parents raised me to be. So no, my weight doesn’t hinder me -but that is only how you view it.
Be blessed!
Your Friend,
“The Royal Connector &Travel Agent”
Ms. Davis
817-721-2451
www.royaltravelagent.com
info@royaltravelagent.com
By: Ms. Davis, Travel Agent
Almost two years ago I had surgery, after which my weight stayed the same and I even lost some weight; but over the time of recuperation I picked up much to the astonishment of my family. Granted I do not have a “skinny” family but yet they view my weight gain as “seriously needing to be rectified NOW”. I understand that for my height that I am quite hippy and that at this time there is not much I can do as I continue to recuperate but I know that eating healthier is my main focus for 2009. I currently eat 1 to 2 times a day and have been told by my doctors that is a main factor of weight gain, for my body thinks it is starving so it is trying to store food. Okay I get that and remember all that from nutrition courses in college. I am just not always hungry! Try telling that to my family. No it’s all my fault and I need to hurry up and lose it so that I can be happy and find a husband.
1.Who said I am not happy? No, things did not go according to plan on the time frame of recovery from surgery. Nor do I have “extra” money like I did when I was in corporate America. No things may have not gone the way I planned for myself as 30 something (did you think I was going to tell you my age?! J). But I am happy. Who can define happiness for ME but ME?! Really! Let’s get real and realize that we can only live this life for one person and that is for ourselves. We cannot live for our kids (we can guide and advise), our siblings or even our friends. We can be there for others, love and befriend them - but live for; we can never do!
2.Find a husband. Hmmm…. I am old school and biblical about this. ( Proverbs 18:22 (New International Version) “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD”)
I am not actively looking for a mate. I am not the pick-up kind of woman and for those who are - I am not knocking YOUR tactics. J I am friendly, I date and who finds me finds me. If it blossoms great -if not great. That’s life. I believe that God will ordain the relationship that will lead to marriage for me. J
So in 2009 I will be drinking more water ( oh LORD help!), drinking more Tahitian Noni Juice, and taking my Juice Plus supplements to make sure that on days I eat bad or few meals that my body receives the nutrients it needs to function! But I am doing everything for me - for I am the one who has to live with this body-no one else.
I am happy for who I am, yes I want to lose this weight - I want to be a size * again. (no not 2!) But overall it’s about the qualities that make me who I am. I am the one people call for prayer, for emergencies, for business connections, for advice , to vent, to rally, to encourage and just to talk; for they know that I keep people’s business to myself. That is who I am. And that is who my parents raised me to be. So no, my weight doesn’t hinder me -but that is only how you view it.
Be blessed!
Your Friend,
“The Royal Connector &Travel Agent”
Ms. Davis
817-721-2451
www.royaltravelagent.com
info@royaltravelagent.com
My Weight Does Not Define Me - My Qualities Do!
By Ms. Davis
By Ms. Davis
New!