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As a former Division I female student-athlete, I experienced gender discrimination my entire life. I was teased often because of my passion for sports, since it was more of a “boy thing,” and was body-shamed for my strength and athleticism. Sports are about strength and perseverance. I always struggled with the fact that men got to use their muscle and athleticism to fight through sports while women needed to lose their “masculine” muscles and become skinnier and toned. I’d say this is just one example of gender discrimination. But, it keeps going. The pay. We just witnessed the United States women’s national soccer team fightRead More →

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From the very first day of soccer, it seemed as though the phrase, “Early is on-time, on-time is late,” was drilled into my head. And, I’m not just talking in a way that emphasized the importance of punctuality, I mean in a way that if I was to be late, it would be tragic. Let’s just say, I was too scared to ever find out what would happen if I did violate the rule.  This expression gave me such angst that it basically controlled my entire childhood. To this day, I still have nightmares involving the bell ringing in school, and me sprinting down theRead More →

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Growing up in Detroit, I was raised in what I considered one of the best sports towns in the country. During my childhood, it seemed as though winning championships came naturally. My love for Detroit sports started from the time I was a baby. To this day, when I tell someone from Michigan that I was born in 1984, their immediate response is, “The year the Tigers won the World Series!” Though the Tigers were a great team to root for, I quickly became an avid hockey fan. How could I not when the city was nicknamed “Hockeytown?” I was lucky enough to witness, arguably,Read More →

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I was talking to a friend the other day about someone we know who may be “trying to get pregnant.” Her look of disappointment made me think she was hinting that they were struggling to conceive. I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I know one of her biggest fears in life is not being able to successfully carry a child. After I shared this with my friend, she answered, “Doesn’t every woman feel that way?” Though there may be several valid reasons for a woman to be concerned or worried about being able to get pregnant, my friend was right—everyRead More →

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When I set out that summer of college to prepare for my sophomore season of soccer, I never in my wildest dreams anticipated that I’d be diagnosed with an eating disorder just months later. This is the exact reason I publicized my story and am doing everything I can to share my experiences. The more eating disorders are talked about and explained, the more likely we will recognize and label what we are experiencing. Naming the problem helps us identify it, and then leads way to treatment. And, early intervention is essential in helping to prevent serious psychological and health consequences. Elite athletes have aRead More →

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It was a cold day, and all I wanted was a coffee and muffin from Dunkin’ Donuts. So, I parked my car, walked in, and scoped out all of my options. There was only one muffin that was labeled reduced fat, which to me at the time would be the only possibility. But, I needed to know more. So, I asked the girl how bad the muffin really was for me. She took out a binder with the nutritional information, and handed it to me. The second I saw the number of calories that were in that “reduced fat” muffin, I gasped. “No thank you,”Read More →

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Growing up, I was always told to never ask a woman if she is pregnant. And, to drill it even more in my head, it was emphasized that even if I am 99.9% sure she is expecting, I still should not ask. I am now a mother of three children. Therefore, here are a few reasons why (and I will leave out the fact that I have publicized my struggles with body, diet, and exercise, and my past eating disorder). I have held on tight to a ride that was wilder than any roller coaster that exists. I had felt a “sinking feeling” in the pitRead More →

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Twenty one years ago today, I became a bat mitzvah. At twelve years old this was the most exciting, yet nerve-racking time of my life. To say I remember the weekend like it was yesterday is an understatement. I had spent over a year studying the portions I would read aloud in front of family, friends, and an entire sanctuary. My stomach was tied in knots, my heart was pounding, and I had nightmares leading up to it every night. What if I messed up? What if I lost my place? What if I didn’t perform perfectly on the bimah? That is a lot ofRead More →

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Lately, I have been feeling in a rut when it comes to exercise, running, and working out. After having three kids, a double hernia surgery, and not being 21 years old anymore, I admit that I haven’t felt the best about myself and my body. My belly button is deformed, my stomach now has this pouch covering it, and it seems I am gasping for air on every machine. So, I did the scariest thing for me, and approached the head of group fitness and wellness at my gym. Let me first start off by saying she is a beast. And, not in size per-say,Read More →

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Most of us approach daily life thinking we are safe, events are predictable, and that others are trustworthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and tragedy strikes unexpectedly. Our beliefs are shattered, we lose hope, and we see life as filled with danger, uncertainty, and suffering. But, it is in these moments, in the face of adversity, that we recognize not to take things for granted. Fifteen years ago, my life flashed in front of my eyes. My initial plan to lose a few pounds spiraled out of control resulting in the development of an eating disorder. After starving myself and exercising compulsively, IRead More →