I believe our Women’s Leadership Council has been doing an excellent job so far in keeping our students engaged, educated and socially connected. However, there seems to be a topic that many of us women are terrified to discuss and almost embarrassed to bring up. This “thing” seems to be cutting our life spans short, decreasing the self-esteem in our community and at times causing a sense of division among us women. What is it?
Weight and body image. Yes, I know its taboo to discuss weight, or size, but honestly, I am tired of keeping it quiet. Our community has always embraced ‘thickness’ and ‘extra meat’. We’ve all heard people say “she’s so little-she looks like she’s starving” or been told that black men are only interested in ‘thick’ women. However, while embracing this wonderful idea of being slightly overweight-or ‘thick’ as some say, we never factor in possibly having diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
No, I am not saying that the woman who is a size 2 is necessarily healthier than the woman who is a size 12. I am simply saying that we put more emphasis on weight and body image when ultimately we should be concerned with overall health.
I’m not an idiot. I understand that we are all unique individuals and all of our body types are different. Some of us just are not designed to ever fit into a size 2 and some of us will never be a size 24 and that’s OK! I encourage all women to embrace who they are and love themselves.
However, I am a firm believer in changing something that does not work. According to the CDC, the African-American community has been plagued with the sky rocketing increase of hypertension and diabetes within the last couple of years.
There is nothing wrong with our beautiful hips and thick thighs but there is something wrong with not exercising. There is also something wrong with over seasoning, excessive drinking and making unhealthy nutrition decisions.
Our generation has to be the one to make the change. Skinny, ‘thick’, or fat, diabetes and hypertension is affecting our entire community at an alarming rate, and as women, I am challenging us all to change our lifestyles and get educated on how to eat well and exercise while maintaining our unique frames.
Instead of having cupcakes, cookies, soda and juices full of corn syrup during our gatherings or events, let us have water, fruit, granola bars, veggie trays, etc. Do a few crunches as you are watching The Wendy Williams Show or Nancy Grace and plan a healthy grocery list prior to going to the store. Walk the dog, take the kids for a bike ride or purchase a home workout video.
Let this year’s Women’s History Month be remembered as the month you educated, celebrated, and changed your lifestyle.
Aida Fall