Promotion Network News - ONLINE
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Volume 10 Number 2
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GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
What's inside this issue...
Self Image and Sport Connection
Is our sense of self related to the size and shape of our body? Research studies claim that body attractiveness is so highly valued that it has the single most important impact on many individuals' self worth.
Body image is the picture of our physical selves that we hold in our mind's eye. Often this image does not resemble the way we actually look and competes with unrealistic weight or fitness expectations. Our emotions also affect our perceptions of our bodies. (Association for Anorexia and Associated Disorders ANAD, 1999)
Summer often brings a barrage of media campaigns aimed at people's vulnerability around their body image. It is often suggested that we "tone up, trim the flab, and get ready for summer" which translates into a frenzy of diet and weight loss to meet this standard. A summer edition of a women's sports and fitness magazine highlights "Get a Beach Body" with a photo of a very slim attractive woman surfer on the cover. It's enough to make even a very positive body image falter.
Research has shown a relationship between positive body image and participation in physical activity. The Melpomene Institute for Women's Health Research conducted a study on factors influencing low and high body image in adolescent girls. They asked the girls how many school sports teams they played on and playing on a higher number of school sports teams was indicative of better body image. Participation in sports teams organized outside the school setting also produced the same result.
Body image and self-esteem are not just issues for young women. Women of all ages can suffer from low self-esteem related to their body image.
The average North American woman is 5'4 and weighs 142 pounds. She would like to be 5'6 and weigh 129 pounds. About 40% of women in the US are trying to lose weight, of these women, 62% are not overweight. Most females have a negative body image not because they have unattractive bodies but because they see themselves inaccurately. For adolescent females, an inaccurate perception of the importance of thinness often leads to weight dissatisfaction and an overwhelming fear of fat. (Edwards, 1992)
Studies have shown that those who exercise are less likely to consider themselves overweight. They are much more likely to be pleased with their bodies and more likely to consider themselves physically attractive.
A significant percentage of women have unrealistic expectations about body size and weight. By age 18, more than 50% of women perceive themselves as too fat, despite having normal weight. Fifty per cent of 9 year old girls and 80% of 10-11 year old girls are on some type of diet; 85-90% of people who have eating disorders are women.
Two major contributing factors perpetuate a low body image. Societal and cultural values and norms in North America dictate a thin body as ideal for women and many women judge themselves in terms of physical attractiveness. A powerful dietary, cosmetic, fashion, and fitness industry flaunt an ideal body type which they present as achievable by anyone who works hard enough.
One day we may celebrate all sizes and shapes of bodies and focus our concern on individual health instead of an "ideal" and unrealistic weight. Until this becomes the societal and cultural norm, we need to advocate healthful living and focus on individual self worth instead of predetermined body types.
By building health promotion programs that are supportive of all body types and creating inclusive sport and physical activity programs, we can take a big step towards allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits that come with physical activity participation.
Promotion Plus Update
New Staff
Farewell Perveen Doel who has moved on to instruct kinesiology summer camps at SFU. We will miss her enthusiasm and energy in the office - good luck from all of us!
Jessica Lanthier - Administrative Coordinator
Jessica recently moved from Kamloops where she completed a B.A. in Psychology from the University College of the Cariboo. Her interest in youth program development and business experience will be valuable in the office and in communicating with our network.
Danielle Campbell - Communications Coordinator
Danielle is a contractor with Promotion Plus and brings her experience as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist to our team. She has a strong background in nutrition education and health promotion in the sport/fitness area and youth programs! Our newsletter will live on and new promotional material will be developed over the summer!
CAAWS Welcomes:
Sydney Millar - On The Move Coordinator
Sydney is a Master's Candidate at UBC and was recently awarded a Bobbie Steen Legacy Fund towards her research on girls in inclusive physical education. As the national On the Move coordinator she will be working closely with the On the Move volunteer work group and working to expand the reach of On the Move across Canada. She will be working out of the Sport BC Administrative Centre at 1367 W. Broadway in Vancouver.
WISRAN Update
Promotion Plus will continue to support and promote WISRAN for networking opportunities, but in a different format. We would like to expand WISRAN to regions around BC. If you are interested in hosting a networking experience in your region, please contact the office at to find out how we can assist.
New Partnerships
We are proud to announce the newly formed collaboration of BC Recreation & Parks Association and Promotion Plus! Together we will facilitate the exchange of information, via our client base, create links between the "On the Move" program and the "More Than an Open Door" project, and collaborate on issues that are pertinent to both organizations.
Promotion Plus continues to seek partnerships with organizations in the sport and recreation community and women's health. By working in collaboration and sharing networks, resources, and information, Promotion Plus will assist organizations to promote physical activity to a wider range of groups and individuals.
Speakers List
The Promotion Plus Speakers List for 1999 is available with new and exciting speakers joining the already diverse and enthusiastic group of women. To book a speaker for your conference, workshop, or class presentation, call the office to receive a copy of the list and more information.
Coaching Women
Promotion Plus is partnering with the Coaches Association of BC (CABC) to create a resource on Coaching Female Athletes. We have conducted focus groups with coaches and athletes to get a diverse range of information, and will incorporate research to complement this information. The resource will be available in the fall of 1999.
USED COMPUTERS - old but working, available to a good home. Phone the office to inquire.
CAWWS and Nike Canada announce Two Year Partnership
On April 23, 1999 in Toronto, Ontario over 100 representatives from the Canadian Sports community gathered to further promote sport and physical activity among girls and women.
The Women in Sport Symposium, organized by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) along with Nike Canada Ltd, brought together national team athletes and representatives from sport organizations, athletic departments, government and media to share their recommendations on this issue.
The symposium is a first step in a 2 year partnership between Nike & CAAWS that will provide CAAWS the opportunity to develop programs that reach young women and encourage them to become active in the fields, rinks, pools and boardrooms of Canada. Recommendations from the symposium will be forwarded to government agencies, school boards and sport and recreation associations.
Some of the recommendations resulting from the symposium include:
- enhanced media representation of women in sport
- the development of a media advisory committee responsible for seeking opportunities to promote female athletes in the media and lobbying for a more equitable representation of women's sports.
- strong emphasis placed on the need for quality daily physical education for young girls within school systems.
- the implementation of education programs to help parents become as involved in their daughter's physical education as they would in any other subject at school.
- increased levels of corporate support and funding for female athletes.
- the development of more events such as the Nike/CAAWS Women in Sport Symposium
- the implementation of a National Women-Sport Day by the year 2001
Executive Director of CAAWS, Marg McGregor stated "CAAWS is very excited that our partnership with Nike will allow us to tell inspiring stories of our female sports heroes, and put girls in contact with Canada's high performance athletes, coaches and officials."
For more information about the CAAWS Nike Canada Women in Sport Symposium please consult the CAAWS website at www.caaws.ca.
International Sports Headlines
Sport Illustrated Publishes
an online compaion: SI for women
Check out the second issue of 1999 featuring the Women's World Cup and WNBA preview packages! For your free introductory subscription visit siforwomen.com.
Women's Soccer Team and Modern Motherhood: A Family Affair
The U.S.Women's Soccer Team supports family values as two of their top
players bring their children to training camp. Joy Fawcett planned both
her children's births so that neither disrupted her World Cup play. Fawcett's
5 and 2 year old are used to accompanying mom as she has started all but
two of the national team matches she has appeared in. Carla Overbeck maintains
her role as captain, while her 2 year old son accompanies mom who may
very well be the top defender in the world. U.S. Soccer recruited a nanny
who travels with the team and to training camp in Orlando. Now the mothers
can take care of business with the national team rather than having to
search for day care services each time a game or practice session is scheduled.
For the full story, visit the CAAWS website
at www.caaws.ca
Salt Lake Olympic Committee Proposes Three New Women Sports
Mitt Romney, SLOC president, anticipates his plan of adding 3 new events to the 2002 Winter Games will be approved by the International Olympic Committee. The proposed sports include 2-woman bobsled, skeleton and cross-country ski sprints. If approved, the Salt Lake Winter Games would be almost split by gender with 39 men's events and 34 women's. Ski jumping and Nordic combined would remain men-only. (Note: the skeleton is a headfirst plunge on a small sled down an ice chute at 70 mph!)
Reviews
Research Review
Making the Link: Physical Activity, Inactivity and the Health of Girls and Women - by Colleen Reid, MA and Lesley Dyck, MA
This literature review presents a portrayal of the
benefits and risks of physical activity and inactivity for the health
status of girls and women. This research project reviewed the literature
on relationships between physical activity and health concerns affecting
North American women today and identifies key disciplines and research
which advances knowledge in this area. Recommendations for development
of effective public policy and programs which support the health and well-being
of girls and women in Canadian communities are provided.
Research Review
Every Body is A Somebody - by members
of Body Image Coalition
This new manual focuses on preventing eating disorders. The resource provides facilitators with activities to use with adolescents on the following topics: media, family and friends; self esteem and body image; set point: body's resistance to dieting; healthy eating and an active lifestyle; stress management skills; and relationship skills. The manual will help to change attitudes and reduce the risk of eating disorders by promoting a healthy body image, positive self esteem and a nondieting approach to eating.
Promotion Plus has a copy available to borrow, or
contact the Body Image Coalition of Peel, co/ Mary Turfryer, Peel Health,
199 County Court Blvd.
Brampton, ON L6W 4P3.
Phone: (905)791-7694. Cost is $32 outside Ontario in Canada.
Women, Heart Disease and Stroke
1. Who has the greatest risk of dying from a heart attack?
(a) Women (b) Men (c) Equal risk for both
2. Signs and symptoms for heart disease:
(a) Can differ in women & men (b) Are the same for both sexes
3. After menopause, a woman's risk for heart disease and stroke:
(a) Increases (b) Decreases (c) Stays the same
If you answered "a" to each question - congratulations. Until recently, heart disease and stroke were primarily regarded as male health concerns. Women and their doctors would frequently assume chest pain had other causes unaware that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women in Canada (4,000 women a year in BC alone). The death risk is 8 times greater than for breast cancer.
Cardiovascular disease is different in some respects in women. Women generally develop heart disease ten years later than men, and treatments used for men tend to be less successful on women due to differences in hormones and anatomy.
Women increase their risk by caretaking others but ignoring their own cardiovascular health or by denying that signs such as back pains and chest discomfort are serious enough to seek medical attention.
For a copy of the publications, Women's Heart
& Stroke Quiz and Women, Heart Disease and Stroke contact
the Heart & Stroke Foundation at 1-800-693-8008, or visit the web
site <www.hsf.bc.ca>.
Pathway to Gender Equity
How to help more girls & young women become physically active
The YWCA of Canada has developed a program designed to help organizations increase the number of girls who become and stay physically active in sport and recreation. The authors of this manual know from research that if girls and young women are physically active they will be more likely to avoid pitfalls of school-leaving, smoking, premature sexual activity and low self-esteem.
The manual will help organizations have greater awareness, understanding and knowledge around gender equity and programming for girls and young women. Designed to help implement the organizational change initiative in associations, this manual can assist in making sustainable changes in organizations.
A copy of the manual has been distributed to each YM-YWCA across Canada. Promotion Plus has a copy in its resource library that is available on loan.
Please contact Patti Hunter through Promotion Plus for further information regarding the availability of the Pathway to Gender Equity.
Healthy Active Living
this season means:
slip...slap...slop says sun sense info (slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slop on some sunscreen) whenever you go outdoors!
Health Canada launched the new Canada's Physical
Activity Guide for Older Adults. President of the Canadian Society
for Exercise Physiology, Dr. Ira Jacobs claimed
" We know that up to half the decline that occurs in humans between
the age of 30 and 70 is attributable to a sedentary lifestyle, and not
aging itself".
Healthy Active Living encourages everyone to integrate messages promoted in the guide when planning Summer Activities events and initiatives. Remember, "..that no matter how inactive they have been in the past, any increase in physical activity will show marked improvement to their health" says Joyce Gordon, Chair of the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults. Get out and stay active this summer!
Contact Kathryn McLean, the BC Active Living Coordinator
at (250)356-0402.
BC Becomes Only Province in Canada with Two National Sport Centres
PacificSport Group forms a unique partnership among the National Sport Centres in Vancouver and Victoria and the 5 Regional Sport Centres in BC.
BC already features a regional delivery program of coaching and athlete services. This newly integrated network of multi-sport centres will stand to be a model for sport development that the rest of Canada and the world may learn from. PacificSport Group will ensure that high performance athletes training in BC will have delivery of quality, standardized services with an emphasis on world class coaching development.
Promotion Plus continues its commitment as a partner to the BC network of regional multi-sport centres, now under the PacificSport umbrella.
Harassment Update
Template Harassment Policy for Sport Organizations - available through Sport BC, this generic template can be adopted by any sport organization.
Harassment Advisor Training Manual - this newly revised manual can be used by all sport organizations. Five chapters include definitions of harassment and the BC Human Rights Code, how to handle harassment complaints, policy and procedure information, tools and techniques for dealing with complaints and a resource list.
Workshops on Harassment Awareness & Training Harassment Advisors are also available.
SportSafe Publications from BC can be found on the following web pages:
SportSafe Parent's Brochure www.sport.gov.bc.ca/pubs/sportsafe
SportSafe Coaches Game Plan www.sport.gov.bc.ca/pubs/coach/coach.htm
SportSafe Volunteer Screening Manual www.sport.gov.bc.ca/pubs/sportsafe
Contact Sport BC or Promotion Plus for more information.
How are we doing?
Stats from the U.S. Women in Intercollegiate Sport
The Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science in Brooklyn studied the trends of Women in Intercollegiate Sports from 1978 to 1998. Results of this study indicated that the number of teams offered per school is at an all time high of 7.71, compared to 5.61 in 1978. When all three divisions are compared there has been an increase in the number of sports offered to female students. The five sports continuing to be most popular for women are basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross country and softball.
Brief Summary of Results within the NCAA:
Status of women as Head coaches, 1998: 47.4% of coaches of women's teams are females, compared to 58.2% in 1978.
Status of women as administrators, 1998: 19.4% of women's programs directed by women, however in 1978 90% of women's programs were directed by a female head administrator.
Status of women that are paid assistant coaches, 1998: 59.8% (6767 positions) within women's athletics. Of the 1322 unpaid assistant coaches of women's teams, 52% of them are held by women.
Did you know...?
- In Newfoundland this past February, Team BC placed third at the Canada Winter Games. Women only events totaled 15, while 5 events were combined out of a total 21 events represented.
- According to a study of 30 adults aged 18 to 30 years, smoking does not keep people thin. The Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology conducted the study over the course of 7 years and found the average weight gain was common among smokers and nonsmokers, averaging more than a pound a year.
Bursaries for Coaches
The Bob Bearpark Coaching Bursary Fund - has a total of six funding categories including the Equity and Access bursaries which are available to assist coaches who are women, First Nations, or Coaches of Athletes with a Disability. Women coaches pursuing Level 3 or higher NCCP training can apply for funding assistance. Contact the Promotion Plus office for an application form.
Women Helping Women International Inc.
The New TAKE AIM website has been launched. Take Aim has developed the site as a discussion and mentoring forum for teenage women on the internet. TAKE AIM is dedicated and committed to building on existing school curricula by encouraging young women to fully address and explore issues such as: career paths, entrepreneurship, body image, self expression, technoliteracy, relationships, culture and diversity. Take Aim's goals are to provide access for young women to resources online and in their community through mentoring and semi-structured moderation by community professionals, to promote positive, healthful approaches to views young women have of themselves and communities, and to provide resource for teachers, guidance counselors and parents.
If you would like to become an online mentor for a girl interested in your career area, contact Shannon at (250)477-9252, email sbaikie@womenhelpingwomen.com.
Highlighting Opportunities for Girls & women in Physical Activity, Sport & Recreaction
Vancouver School Board Continuing Education
is offering a variety of sport and recreation courses for women only.
Some courses require no experience and all are meant to be fun and active.
Courses include floor hockey, mountain biking, basketball, and volleyball.
Call (604) 713-4550 or visit their website at www.vsb-adult-ed.com for
more information.
Outdoor Adventures for Women by GAIA Adventures
Looking for a challenging outdoor adventure in an all female environment?
Join us for a guided excursion in BC's wilderness. Cost includes lunch,
guides and transportation. Upcoming events:
June 1999:
June 26th - Rock Climb Smoke Bluffs
June 27th - Hike Squamish Estuary
For more information call (604) 875-0066 or visit their website at: www.vancouver-bc.com/Gaia.
Women on Water
Shuswap Water Ski & WakeBoard Centre is
organizing 2 days for Women on Water this summer. Participants
will review safe boat driving, safe towing of skiers, boarders, tubes
and after lunch have an opportunity for a water ski/water board lesson.
Women on Water Day#1-Tues. July 6th
Women on Water Day#2 -Tues. August 17, 1999
Cost: $99 advance booking required. Call 250 955-0927 or visit the website www.shuswapsnb.com.
RCMP/Police Training for Women by YWCA
Are you planning a career in the Police Force? If so, you may want
to register in a training program designed to prepare women physically
in an excellent training facility. Contact the YWCA to register, 895-5762.
Course runs Mondays & Wednesdays
1) July 26 - September 8, 1999.Cost is $199. Aug
& Sept classes will run.
Do you have or know of an event for girls and women? Call Promotion Plus
and help us to spread the news!
Sport Medicine Council
The Sport Medicine Council of BC, in partnership with the BC Brain Injury Association and the BC Pediatric Society, will present a comprehensive look at concussions; how to prevent them; how to evaluate and manage an athlete's condition when a concussion occurs; and guidelines for return to play.
A Free forum will provide information exchange for anyone concerned with this important issue including: athletes, media, trainers, coaches, parents, national and local sport organizations. The forum will consist of Medical and Sport Professionals.
For a schedule of seminars, contact the Sport Medicine Council of BC at (604) 473-4850.
Editor in Chief: Tammy Lawrence
Editor/Writer: Jessica Lanthier Administrative Coordinator
Publisher: Promotion Plus
Please contact us with any Calendars, comments or for more information at:
#305 - 1367 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9 Phone: ((604) 737-3075 toll free: 1-877-55-PROMO Fax: (604) 738-7175 email: promotion.plus@telus.net visit our website at: www.promotionplus.org