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Home > Issues And Research > Body And Mind > Mental and Physical Health

Mental and Physical Health

Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
In the world of competitive sports, high performance standards, self-discipline and rigorous training are the norm. A modest percentage of intense exercisers live with body dissatisfaction, which can set the stage for the development of an eating disorder.

Psychological Benefits and Barriers of Sport FACTS AND STATISTICS
Women’s Sports Facts is a collection of facts and statistics concerning many aspects of women in sports and physical activity including benefits of participation, underrepresented populations, media coverage and viewership.

GoGirlGo! Tips to Get a Girl Active
Research suggests that physical activity is an effective tool for reducing the symptoms of stress and depression among girls. Sports help girls develop leadership and teamwork skills. Girls who participate in sports have higher self-esteem and pride in themselves. So how do you get the girls in your life to get on the path to being physically active and reaping all of these rewards? These tips will give you all the information you need to introduce physical activity to a girl and make a critical difference in her life.

Her Life Depends on It Executive Summary
This report is a comprehensive compendium of research that points to physical activity and sports as fundamental solutions for many of the serious health and social problems faced by American girls.

Multimedia Sports Resources for Girls and Coaches: Books, Videos, and Instructional Aides
Compiled by Barbara Colombo-Adams, gender equity trainer located in Holden, Mass., this resource can be used by girls or parents and coaches of girls' sports. Books recommended by Colombo-Adams are divided by sport and are perfect for the young reader. She also provides a list of recommended popular sports movies and provides discussion questions. For parents and coaches, included are recommendations of sports and game instructional books and videos, and suggestions where to purchase sports equipment.

Sports Fitness and Women’s Health
We want equal opportunity for our daughters to play sports so they too can derive the psychological, physiological and sociological benefits of sports participation. Participation in sports has been one of the most important socio-cultural learning experiences for boys and men for many years and those same benefits should be afforded to our daughters.

Julie Krone on Depression and PTSD
Story about female hall of fame jockey Julie Krone’s struggle with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Olympic Diver Wendy Williams Speaks Out About Depression
At the pinnacle of her career, Wendy Williams was considered a top contender for a gold medal in the women's platform diving competition at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. Unfortunately, a spinal injury forced Williams to retire three months before the opening ceremonies. This event dramatically changed not only Williams' professional life, but her personal life as well.

Current Trends and Perspectives Women’s Sports and Women’s Health
Take a look back through the history of women’s sports participation, and explore the positives, negatives and challenges.

Liz Masakayan Volleyball Player on Nutrition
As a professional volleyball player, Liz Masakayan has to watch her diet and practice skills in order to perform at the best level possible. Here are a few breakfast and "on the road" tips that help her get going.

Bun Huggers to Wear or Not to Wear
Many factors must be taken into consideration when developing rules regarding the uniforms worn by athletes. Pointing to the benefits of some athletic apparel such as physical comfort and efficiency, this resource helps lead the discussion about uniform regulations.

Optimizing Health in Young Women Athletes
While sports promote health in many ways, there are some risks associated with athletic activities, particularly when they are done in the extreme amount necessary for competition. Elite and competitive athletes must take caution to ensure that they are nurturing their body and protecting both short and long term health. Health cannot be taken for granted; if it is, injuries or illness may result. The most common risks to young active women's health are discussed.

Benefits Why Sports Participation for Girls and Women the Foundation Position
Participation in sports has many psychological, physiological and sociological benefits. Playing sports has been one of the most important socio-cultural learning experiences for boys and men for many years. Those same benefits should be afforded to our daughters.

Foundation Launches Healthier Hispanic Girls Project
The GoGirlGo! Healthier Lives for Hispanic Girls Initiative was launched in Chicago on November 30, 2005, at Humboldt Park Field House. In conjunction with GoGirlGo! Chicago, the Women's Sports Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation joined together to activate the female Hispanic community throughout the metro Chicago area.

Go Girl Go Helping Girls in Rhode Island Become Active
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island examined the effects of an eight-week
after-school program featuring the GoGirlGo! educational curriculum along with a physical activity program. The study, conducted in Providence, Rhode Island, focused on middle school girls of color and their attraction to physical activity.

Physical Education FACTS
Women’s Sports Facts is a collection of facts and statistics concerning many aspects of women in sports and physical activity.

Why Women Should Learn How to Use Sports for Business
Women without sports experience are disadvantaged in the work setting. The existing American business model is a male model of organizational structure and human relationships.

Exercise and Fitness
Find out how to get the most out of your exercise program! Find out how to benefit from your exercise program in the long run and the secret to sticking with your program, eating right and staying physically fit.

The Balancing Act a Woman’s Guide to Sports Fitness
To find your fitness balance, all you need to do is make a commitment to take care of your physical and emotional self. By using this guide to find your fitness balance, you can develop the energy and confidence to better handle life's challenges. The payoff will be well worth the effort.

The Health of Today’s Young Girls is Threatened by Inactivity
Too many girls are not physically or psychologically healthy, happy or confident about themselves. These girls are in grave danger…and they need our help.

Sports Movies for Girls
A list of films for all ages, these movies and documentaries feature girls and women as active participants in sports and physical activity as either athletes or as professionals.