Blog 4

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

With studies showing that one in four college women will be assaulted before their graduation (dailytrojan.com), one can not help but to wonder what actions can a woman take in order to reduce their risk of being assaulted?

Unfortunately, you can never completely protect yourself from an assault. But, here's a few steps that can be taken in order to reduce your chances:

• Avoiding dangerous situations: You can do this by being aware of your surroundings. Do not text while walking or place earphones in both ears. This distraction leaves you vulnerable and unaware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose and avoid walking anywhere alone whenever possible. When traveling alone in a vehicle, keep doors locked. Also, trust your instincts! If you feel like you are about to be placed in an uncomfortable situation, get out!
• Plan to be safe: Become aware of all possible exits of the place you are going to, and places you visit often. This allows you to be able to escape in case of an emergency. Keep cash on you at all times. This will come in handy should you have to hop in a cab to make an escape or run to the nearest pay phone to call for help because your cell phone died. Have your keys out and ready before you reach your destination, whether it be car or house.

Think and plan ahead. Be smart by being safe!

Blog 3

For decades now, the media has played a role in how we view our self image. Advertisements set unrealistic standards on how we should be. According to advertisements women should be skinny with no wrinkles in order to be considered beautiful, and men should be tall and muscular in order to be considered handsome. So, consumers purchase these products in an attempt to achieve these goals of how they think society wants them to look.
Health educators can help to prepare effective messages to counter some of the negative views and ideas generated by the media by teaching oneself (especially teens) to love what they see in the mirror, as is. Teach them that advertisements that portray these "perfect" people are meant to sell a particular product for profit, and has nothing to do with the actually person itself. Just like a designer's clothes are made to look good in the store on a hanger opposed to the actual person buying the product.
However, I do believe that the media is embracing more diversity in body shape, size, and color compared to years ago. The proof is in ad campaigns like Dove, who pride themselves in understanding their consumers and having women of all shapes and sizes (as well as complexions) in their commercials and other ads. I support them as a company for being brave enough to go against the advertising "norm" in order to actually connect with the real person.