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Season 14 of The Biggest Loser premiered last weekend, featuring three teenagers for the first time ever, and critics are in an uproar. There’s so much controversy surrounding the decision to include teens on the show, and I’m finding myself kind of angry about the criticism.

Why is it so bad that there’s a show helping obese teens lose weight? It’s not like they have 100-pound cheerleaders competing. These are actual obese teens who can’t do normal teen things because they’re so overweight. These are teens who want to change their lifestyles.

Critics of the choice are saying that having teens on the show presents a confusing message and perpetuates body image issues. Huffington Post Teen Associate Editor Carolyn Gregoire said:

“You see adults on the show who are running until they fall, until they’re vomiting, and they’re being yelled at. We don’t want to be sending that message to a vulnerable young person who can be very triggered by seeing this kind of activity. I don’t think that shame and creating a fat-phobic culture is a motivating way to tell people they need to be healthy.”

It appears that most of the critics haven’t even seen the show. The teens aren’t doing the same tasks as the adults. The kids don’t even participate in weigh-ins, and they don’t get eliminated. Longtime trainer Bob Harper says:

“With the kids, we wanted to do exactly the opposite of when we work with the adults. We do no breaking down, just lifting up … It’s about getting kids to move around again and getting kids to be kids.“

Isn’t this better than shows like Teen Mom and 16 And Pregnant? I know those shows are controversial on their own, but why is there so much backlash about kids getting healthy? This theory that all teens who watch the show will get body dysmorphic disorder and become fat-phobic is absurd. I think if anything, seeing obese teens get their lives back will be inspiring and helpful.

Surely there are obese teens watching that will aim to make changes in their lives. I don’t think this is going to send teens into an eating-disorder frenzy. The show never encourages contestants to starve themselves. It encourages healthy ways to lose weight, healthy workouts, healthy everything.

It’s also kind of insulting to the teen population that these critics think so little of their intelligence. Y’all are smart. You’re not going to think you’re fat simply because three teens on a show are working out and losing weight to you know, not be obese anymore.

I think having teens on The Biggest Loser is great. I hope these teens have so much success on the show that producers decide to have an all-teen series.

What do you think about there being teen contestants? Do you think it will help other overweight teens? Do you think it will be harmful? Tell me what you think in the comments!

Since we’re talking about weight, Facebook could be the culprit for those extra pounds!

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Yikes! It’s no where as bad as this looks! | ShutterStock

What is a pap smear? What actually happens during a Pap test?

ChickRx expert Evelyn Resh, Certified Sexuality Counselor & Nurse Midwife says:

Great questions and I’m really glad you asked them.

Going to the gynecologist can be a scary thing if you don’t know what to expect. But once you know the info, it’s far less scary. And once you actually go, you’ll realize that it’s not scary at all.

After your doctor has checked your thyroid gland in your neck, listened to your lungs and heart, done a breast exam and an abdominal exam, he or she will have you remain laying down and then get ready to do your Pap smear.

The first step is to get you into position. There are stirrup-like foot rests on either side of the exam table that you will put your feet into. Your buttocks will need to be at the very edge of the exam table to do this. Your legs have to be spread apart for the exam. As weird as stirrups look, do your best to relax. The exam is much more comfortable if you’re relaxed.

Now that you’re in position, your doctor will first simply look at your external genitals to see if their appearance is normal. Then, a vaginal speculum (a devise designed to open the vagina) will be inserted into your vagina and opened. This will allow your doc to view the inside of the vagina and take a collection of cells from your cervix. This collection of cells is the actual Pap smear.

Most women have very little sensation in their cervix and don’t really feel their Pap smear being done. And even if you do feel it, it isn’t painful. After this, the speculum is closed and pulled out.

The cells collected from the Pap smear will be tested for any abnormalities. This test can help catch the problem cells that lead to cervical cancer.

After the Pap smear, two well lubricated fingers are inserted into your vagina while placing the opposite hand on your lower abdomen and pushing down. This enables the examiner to feel the shape and size of your uterus and to make sure there are no abnormalities on your ovaries and Fallopian tubes.

Once that’s over, that’s it! That’s your entire pelvic exam, Pap smear at all.

I suggest you make a point of telling your doctor that this is your first exam and ask him or her to let you know everything he or she is doing to do BEFORE it’s done. This is a totally normal request for a first timer to the gynecologist.

Got more questions? Post them in the comments below or head on over to ChickRx.com.

Is The Really A Love Potion?

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Philadelphia is battling a high STD rate with a free condom program. Do you think it’s a good idea? | Source: ShutterStock

Philadelphia is using common sense–the city’s fighting a growing STD epidemic among teens by installing free condom dispensers within its high schools.

The city has had huge problems with STD rates among teenagers, so the move to put in free condom dispensers at the nurse’s offices in 22 schools in Philadelphia is smart. (Obviously, abstinence is the only way to 100 percent prevent STDs, but that’s not that realistic–and it’s a lot more effective for sex education to teach not just abstinence, but also safe sex.)

Philadelphia students can also get free STD testing in their schools, which is so important when you consider that 5 percent of students who have been tested were positive for STDs including HIV. That may not sound like a lot, but think of it this way: That’s 1 in 20 people, so there’s probably one in your homeroom! That sounds like a ton more, right? So scary! In fact, the free STD testing is what led to the free condom program. The results were so dire and so dangerous that Philadelphia officials felt they needed to take action. 1 in 4 people infected with HIV in Philadelphia is between 13 and 24 years old, and the city has recently seen chlamydia and gonorrhea rates up by almost 50 percent!

“Less than 60 percent of kids who are sexually active report having used condoms the last time they had sex,” Philly’s health commissioner Dr. Donald F. Schwarz told the Daily News. “We want to get to that 40 percent who haven’t used a condom.”

The City of Brotherly Love isn’t the only one to promote safe sex with free condoms in high schools. 418 other schools nationwide, including in New York City, are encouraging sexually active students to always use a condom and are eliminating the potential embarrassment of a trip to CVS by giving them out for free. Students can even order free condoms online if they don’t want to go to the office. Springfield, Massachusetts even made headlines when they released free condoms not just in high school, but also middle school–giving contraception for free to people as young as 11 years old.

Dr. Schwarz even said that the STD rate is dropping. “For the first time in four years, we saw a decline in STIs among adolescents by 5 to 6 percent,” he said.

There is a catch to the Philadelphia free condom program, though. If a student’s parents opt out of it, nurses can’t hand over contraception to them. Still, even if parents think condom dispensers will encourage people to have sex, that’s not really the case. The Center for Disease Control reports that condom distribution programs like the ones in Philadelphia not only increase condom use and lower STD rates for young adults, but they also actually delay sexual activity–so it also in a way encourages you to be both safe and maybe wait on having sex.

Sounds like a win-win to us!

Do you think a free condom distribution program like the ones in Philadelphia and New York City are a good idea? Do you think free condom programs are a good way to promote safe sex and prevent STDs? Do you think a free condom program encourages young adults to have sex? Do you have any other ideas on how to lower the Philadelphia STD rate? Tell us in the comments!

Guess who always says to use a condom?

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Dude, step away from my vag. | Source: Shutterstock

Question: If my boyfriend has oral herpes and goes down on me, could I get it down there?

ChickRx expert Dr. Melanie Davis, Certified Sexuality Educator says:

First, let’s get our herpes facts straight. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 usually affects the lips and mouth. Type 2 HSV usually affects the genitals. But the virus isn’t picky! Yes, your boyfriend can pass his oral herpes to your genitals. Likewise, genital herpes can be transmitted to the mouth.

This doesn’t mean you can never have oral sex. You just need to protect yourself. Here’s how.

Both of you need to wash your hands, genitals, and lips with soap and water before sex.

Use a barrier between his mouth and your genitals. The best barrier is a latex dental dam, which you may find at pharmacies, health clinics and online. Also, your school nurse will probably know where they are sold nearby. Pick up a few and some personal lubricant.

The dam needs to cover the area from your mons (the hair-bearing area of skin above your clitoris) to over your anus (where you poop). Smooth a few drops of lubricant on your skin first, so that the skin-side of the dam is slippery, permitting nicer sensations. You can also use your own saliva. Do not use any oil (like vaseline or baby oil) with a dental dam. Oil destroys latex and makes disease transmission a whole lot more likely.

You can make a dental dam by cutting the fingers off a latex glove and slicing it up the side so you can open it into a rectangle of latex. While your boo goes down on you, hold the top edge of the dam in place while he or she holds the sides in place.

If the barrier flips over or falls on the floor, toss it out and use a new one because the virus may already be on the mouth-side of the dam. After sex, put the dam in the garbage, not the toilet. You don’t want to clog the plumbing! Then you both should wash again with soap and water.

The herpes virus can be shed at any time, but you’re at greater risk when your partner has an active sore or feels itching or pain indicating a sore will break out soon. Avoid oral sex and kissing at these times. He or she should talk to a doctor about medication that can reduce his breakouts.

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Have you ever worried about sexual safety during oral? Would you ever use a dental dam? Ever seen one? Let me know in the comments.

3 Things You Should Never Do In The Bathroom

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The lovely ladies from ChickRX, a new hotspot online for expert advice on getting happy, healthy and hot have expert answers to your questions. The ChickRX ladies are going to have their experts answer one of your health questions every week. Just leave yours in the comments and yours could be next week’s question.

Are risks of STD transmission lower with oral sex or the same as “normal” sex?

ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn:

Yes, the risk of oral sex STD transmission with is lower than “normal” sex, but by no means is it risk-free. Let me repeat that, oral sex is not risk free. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and other STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes and syphilis can all be transmitted through oral sex.

In fact, both performing and receiving oral sex carry a risk of becoming infected. Infected semen and vaginal fluid that contain bacteria and/or viruses can get into the mouth. Then any open sore or cold sore can let the bacteria or virus gain access to the blood stream. Like I said, this goes both ways. If the person who is giving the oral sex has a STD, the infection can pass from their blood stream (if they have an open sore or cut on their mouth) through the saliva to the vagina or penis, and be passed on to their partner.

The only way to truly 100% protect yourself from an STD is by not having sex of any kind…not vaginal, oral or anal. I know, it’s not fun to read and not fun to write either. If you are going to have sex, your partner and you should both get tested for STDs before having sexual contact. You should also always use condoms (male or female) because they do significantly decrease your risk of getting STDs. Remember though, they simply decrease this risk. That means that condoms are not 100% effective in preventing STDs, but they are your best option.

Be safe! Get tested! Wear condoms!

You might also like:
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Are you as safe with oral sex as you are with vaginal? Ever tried a dental damn or blow job with a condom? Let me know in the comments.

Could I Get TSS From My Tampon?

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The lovely ladies from ChickRX, a new hotspot online for expert advice on getting happy, healthy and hot have expert answers to your questions. The ChickRX ladies are going to have their experts answer one of your health questions every week. Just leave yours in the comments and yours could be next week’s question.

What’s the absolute longest I can leave a tampon in without risk of toxic shock syndrome?

ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn says…

First, let’s talk about toxic shock syndrome, which is also sometimes called TSS. It’s caused by bacteria and the symptoms of TSS are similar to the flu. Toxic shock syndrome is a dangerous illness that has been associated with tampon use.

The important thing to know is that menstrual-related toxic shock syndrome is extremely rare an occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 women. While it is rare, it is potentially very dangerous so it’s good that you’re aware of it.

Studies have shown that women who develop TSS are more likely to have used tampons with higher absorbencies, used tampons for several days of their cycle and kept a single tampon in place for a long period of time. Toxic shock syndrome occurred more often in the 1980′s, when higher absorbency tampons were available. You can no longer buy these types of tampons.

To minimize your risk be sure to practice good tampon hygiene:

* Wash your hands before inserting a tampon
* Change your tampon every 4-8 hours
* Only wear tampons during your menstrual cycle
* Use lighter absorbency tampons when possible

You should also know that women with TSS have symptoms that develop very quickly with fever, rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you develop these symptoms during your menses or with a tampon in place you should remove your tampon and contact your health care provider immediately. With all of that said, the bottom line is that tampon use is safe and TSS is extremely rare.

You might also like:
My Period’s Super Long. Is That A Problem?
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Do you worry about TSS? Do you ever leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours? Let me know in the comments.

What Is PMS?

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Your voice counts (even if you can’t vote!) | Source: Shutterstock

The issue that’s front and center on our minds (and we think it should be on yours, too!) is women’s rights. And by that, I mean: Our rights to earn a fair living and have the same opportunities as men, our rights to prevent or plan pregnancies in a smart and safe way, and our rights to have affordable and comprehensive health care options legally available.

If you’re one of the people who’s been commenting and saying that women’s rights aren’t as important as taking care of our economy, just know that promoting women in the workplace and ensuring that we can plan pregnancies around our careers will help the economy as a whole, and making sure that women get equal pay for equal work will help families be more financially secure so they can do things like send their kids to college (which also helps the economy!).

And if you don’t believe in abortion and think that’s the only thing that “women’s health” is about? Well, my first point is that nobody is forcing you to have an abortion. Don’t like them? Don’t have one. But beyond that, studies show that having affordable and reliable birth control available to women (this is something Obamacare will ensure we all have), dramatically reduces the numbers of women seeking abortions. I think it’s kind of a no-brainer, regardless of where you stand.

Still don’t get it? Watch this fun PSA (with a serious message) starring Girls creator Lena Dunham, actress Natasha Lyonne, and model Alexa Chung:

 
What do you think? Are you watching the debate tonight? Do you agree with the song, “You Don’t Own Me?” Are you standing up for women’s rights or do you think there are other issues that are more important to focus on? We want your opinion (even if you disagree!) Tell us in the comments!

Here’s What The Vice Presidential Candidates Say About Your Right To Choose

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It’s important to get to know your doctor. | Source: ShutterStock

The lovely ladies from ChickRX, a new hotspot online for expert advice on getting happy, healthy and hot have expert answers to your questions. The ChickRX ladies are going to have their experts answer one of your health questions every week. Just leave yours in the comments and yours could be next week’s question.

At what age should I start seeing a gynecologist?

ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn says…

First let’s talk about what a gynecologist actually is. A gynecologist (or gyno) a doctor who specializes in female health, specifically the reproductive organs. One of the things a gynecologist does is a regular physical exam to maintain female health.

So, what happens at this exam? Glad you asked. During this exam, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam where the vagina is opened with a speculum and the cervix (the opening to your uterus) is swabbed. This is called a pap smear which tests for cervical cancer. The doctor will also insert a gloved finger into the vagina to examine your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for any abnormalities. While this exam is certainly no birthday party, you will be happy to know this exam is simple and not painful. It is normal, however, to feel a little uncomfortable or embarrassed during your first exam.

Alright, now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, back to your question. When should you go to your first gynecologist visit? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that girls start to see a gynecologist sometime between the age of 13-15. Yeah, I know that sounds early and that’s because it is. A visit this early is important because it is important to develop a relationship with a gynecologist. By doing so, when you need to discuss difficult topics such as birth control and sexual activity, you already feel comfortable with that provider. It’s also important for you to talk with your gynecologist about things such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), diet, exercise and dating violence. Starting with your gynecologist early means you can educate yourself before you face any of these issues in real life. Planning and education are crucial for making smart decisions in your life.

You’ll probably be relieved to know that if you’re between the ages of 13 and 15, your first visit will likely not include a pelvic exam. Once you turn 21, you will need a pelvic exam and pap smear. You may need a pelvic exam earlier if you are sexually active, at risk for STDs or have other concerns such as pelvic pain.

Remember gynecologists are there to help educate you and keep you healthy so start early!

Have you already been to the gynecologist? How was your first experience? Another out there nervous? Let me know in the comments.

More from Chick Rx: Should I get the HPV vaccine?

The Complete Guide To Going To The Gyno

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Going through puberty is ALWAYS awkward! | Source: Shutterstock

I was roughly the age that most of my friends got their periods–totally normal–but I still felt like a total freak.

Last week, the New York Times ran a big story about “early puberty,” focusing on how a ton of 6, 7, and 8-year-old girls are starting to grow breasts and pubic hair before the average girl. Overall, the article was packed with information, but I do have one major problem with it–and that’s the term “early puberty.” If a girl is hitting puberty in the third grade, that might not be “normal” compared to the rest of the world, but it certainly is normal for her, and I can’t see how freaking out about it and schlepping her around to specialist doctors will do anything but freak her out more.

Growing up is hard enough! | Source: Shutterstock

Apparently, some parents are insisting on their daughters getting hormone shots to slow down the progress of puberty–but the scary thing is that these same shots that can keep a little girl “little” can also cause things like osteoperosis, a serious condition that involves the weakening of your bones. Is that worth it? I don’t think so, and I bet if girls were given a choice, they’d say they didn’t want the shots, either!

Nobody knows for sure what’s causing really young girls to start developing breasts, but if I know anything about girls, I know that when we start getting breasts or our period starts or–whatever–it’s mortifying, and we just want to be left alone about it.

It seems like there are some things parents can do when their daughters are babies and toddlers that might help prevent early puberty–like making sure their kids eat healthy food without hormones, that they exercise, and that they do not become obese–but once a girl is already hitting puberty, no matter how old she is, isn’t that time to just accept it and try to support her the best you can? I think so, especially since girls who develop early are already at higher risk of having low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. Youch! Girls who hit puberty early need extra love and hugs–not prescription drugs!

So if you started developing early, maybe even before all your friends, try not to freak out. It’s actually pretty normal now. No, it’s not super fun to go through all these changes, but we all go through it sometime. You are not alone!

How old were you when you started developing? Did you feel kind of embarrassed about it? How old were you when you got your first period? Do you think early puberty is something we should freak out about? Tell me everything in the comments!

Still Waiting To Get Your Period? Don’t Stress About It, Girl!

Levi Johnston will be a dad again. Doesn't he have another hobby--or access to condoms? | Source: Shutterstock

Following his tumultuous relationship with Bristol (the former couple can’t seem to agree on anything, from whether Tripp was planned to whether or not they were drunk on wine coolers when they first had sex), you’d think Levi was too busy posing for Playgirl and penning tell-all books to handle another kid. Despite his busy PR schedule though, the 21-year-old Levi Johnston will be a dad again, this time with girlfriend Sunny Oglesby.

We don’t know for sure, of course, but it could be that this pregnancy happened because this Alaskan Romeo was too preoccupied to use protection: Levi has admitted that his new baby wasn’t planned, but that he’s “so excited” to be a dad again. He told TMZ, “Things happen and we are both happy with what came of it.” Interesting that these “things”–aka an “accidental pregnancy“–happened, and were announced when Sarah Palin is co-hosting the Today Show this week. Just sayin’!

Here’s the thing, though: pregnancies don’t just happen. They happen if you and your partner don’t take the proper steps to prevent them. Levi’s getting a lot of flack for this, but Sunny Oglesby is equally responsible for her body. (We think the world just figured that Levi would know better from experience by now.)

Seeing as you can’t get yourself pregnant (at least not without lengthy paperwork and a plan), pregnancy prevention and contraception isn’t just up to you–or your guy. It’s a shared responsibility. Even if you’re on the Pill, a guy should still use a condom–it’s the only way besides abstinence to prevent STDs, and it provides extra protection against pregnancy. Plus, sex is better when you’re safe, because you can relax and enjoy it instead of freaking out.

No glove? No love! | Source: Shutterstock

Fair enough, but how can you talk to your guy about safe sex? Check out this video for tips on how to explain to your partner that condoms are non-negotiable if he wants to sleep with you–and that they can actually be pretty fun!

Have you ever been with a guy who didn’t want to use protection? Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? Do you think birth control is the responsibility of both partners? Do you think it’s good that Levi Johnston will be a dad again? Sound off in the comments!
 
 

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