Real Girl Power and Being Healthy

Girl power has become a catch-phrase for many young girls and women who have felt a sense of empowerment at the home, in the workplace, in the sports arena, and in just about every aspect of 21^st century life. Countless women around the world have proven that they can do what men can do and, in some cases, perhaps even better than their male counterparts. In addition, many women have excelled in athletic and modeling fields, which somehow proves that female beauty and brawns are also means to attain success. Indeed, girl power is here and it’s here to stay. However, countless women nowadays are pressured to stay on top that they often over train. Because of the demand many women tend to exercise too much and eat too little.

Women who engage in such activities are at risk of many health problems like amenorrhea, a term that refers to the absence of menstrual periods. This is experienced by women because of extremely low body fat content. Missed menstrual is often linked to decreased estrogen (primary female sex hormone) levels. Several medical studies show that amenorrheic women and those who have body fats below 10% may have a hard time getting pregnant.

Amenorrhea may also lead to osteoporosis, an ailment which decreases bone density, making the bones vulnerable to fracture and other injuries. Bones usually become brittle when people are much older, but some young women, especially the ones who experience amenorrhea develop brittle bones at a very young age. A report released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation concluded that one in two women over 50 may encounter an osteoporosis-related injury in their lifetime.

Here are some signs of over-training and unhealthy diet:

• missed or irregular menstrual periods
• extreme thinness
• extreme or rapid weight loss
• behaviors that reflect frequent like eating very little, not eating in front of others, and focus on low-calorie food
• frequent and intense exercising (taking aerobics class followed by a five mile run, swimming for long hours, and weight-lifting
• an "I can't miss a day of workout" attitude
• anxious preoccupation with injuries
• exercising despite illness, bad weather, injury and other conditions that may require resting
• too much self-criticism or self-dissatisfaction
• extreme anxiety and low self-esteem
• fatigue
• sleep difficulties
• feeling cold most of the time
• constant conversations about weight

If these signs are experienced, the best thing to do is make adjustments in one's exercise and eating regimens. Exercising in moderation and reducing the intensity from time to time coupled with healthy diets may help prevent amenorrhea. It is also best to seek advice with one's doctor to make sure that one's missed periods is not a sign of over-training. In addition, doctors can help you make adjustments to protect you from further bone damage.

Women who want to lose weight should also bear in mind that being too thin is unhealthy and is "un-sexy." It is important to exercise properly and eat nutritious food. Balance is the key to improved health and well-being.

Women who want to lose weight properly are encouraged to consult doctors and other health professionals for advice. These advice are important because a lot of women tend to exercise too much and deprive themselves of nutrients necessary for growth and development. Understanding proper workout and including a healthy diet in one's lifestyle may lead to improved health and overall well-being.

Lastly, women should remember that girl power is not about always staying on top. The essence of girl power is in being healthy and taking care of one’s self.