Author: Michaela Martin

The Whitewashed, Diluted Reality of Modern Body Positivity: The Important Black History of the Body Positivity Movement

| Michaela Martin

Historical Background

Over the past few years, the body positivity movement has gained substantial momentum on social media. This movement, originally formed by a group of fat, queer Black women in the 1960s, was, at its heart, a fat liberation movement, and meant to create a space by and for marginalized bodies. It was absolutely revolutionary for a group of fat, queer, Black women to demand respect from society.

In 1972, activist Johnnie Tillmon said, “I’m a woman. I’m a Black woman. I’m a poor woman. I’m a fat woman. I’m a middle-aged woman. In this country, if you’re any one of those things you count less as a human being.”

Where Modern Body Positivity Falls Short

The body positivity movement of the 21st century is unfortunately an often watered-down, whitewashed version of what it used to be. White women dominate the conversation. The larger bodies celebrated are often still relatively small. The intersection of body positivity and gender identity is largely ignored.

It seems as though society has taken the body positivity movement, originally an absolutely radical rebuke of societal beauty standards, and warped it to still be revolutionary, just not “too” revolutionary.

Black model Simone Mariposa commented on these limitations of the modern-day movement, saying: “Body positivity right now is centered around women who are still conventionally desirable.” Research has shown, time and time again, the importance of representation for marginalized groups—and not the token “checking-the-diversity-quota” representation we see so often in America.

We need real, intersectional representation. It feels important to note that thin bodies and white bodies are not excluded from the movement; they just shouldn’t be the center.

Going forward, it is vital that when we use the term “body positivity” we acknowledge and remember the history behind the movement. We need to continue to advocate for Black voices, queer voices, and fat voices in the movement, and recognize the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, and weight stigma.

Love Your Body Week: Ohio State’s Body Positive Initiative

Love Your Body Week 2021 is an initiative to drive conversation around body image to the Ohio State community and takes place during the last week of February. When recruiting events for the week, we wanted to make sure there were events that pushed this conversation beyond what we normally see on social media:

  • Book discussion events on The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor and Hunger by Roxane Gay center Black voices.
  • Our Gender Identity and Body Acceptance event brings awareness to the gender dysphoria that trans and nonbinary individuals experience, and how that relates to body image.
  • Our Weight Stigma in a Diet Culture World event emphasizes the systemic stigma and hostility that fat people experience every day.

We are so proud to be offering events that include and celebrate everyone. You can learn more and sign up for events on our Love Your Body Week 2021 website.

 

Claire Pitrof, 4th year 

Avalanche Versus Snowball Debt Repayment

| Michaela Martin

As winter comes to Ohio State, students are nestled in their homes protected from the snowfall. During this quiet time while we are surrounded by snow, students will find it is the perfect time to start attacking their debt! If you think debt and snow have no relationship, then maybe you have never heard of the snowball or avalanche method! Both are fantastic ways of attacking those student loans, car loans, or balances on your credit cards. 

The snowball method works by the paying off your smallest debts regardless of any of the balances interest rates first before prioritizing the debts with the larger balances. To be more precise, you should arrange your debts from smallest to largest, make the minimum payments on each of the balances besides the smallest, and pay as much on your smallest debt as possible. Repeat the process until each debt is paid in full. The advantages of the snowball method are it allows you to modify your behavior and you can visibly see the progress of paying off your debts because you started with the most attainable balance! 

The avalanche method, on the other hand, is a way of paying off debt by having you pay off the balance with the highest interest rate first. Like the snowball method, you will make minimum payments on all your balances, however any extra cash will be put towards the balance with the highest interest rate. You will continue to the debt with the next highest interest rate until all the debt has been paid off. The advantages of the avalanche method are that, compared to all the of the rest of the repayment methods, it allows you to save the most money by attacking the most expensive debt first! 

So, although the cold and snow brought on by winter might not be your favorite season, it gives you a great opportunity to start addressing your debt and the earlier you pay it off, the better! 

Emotions, Relationships, and Covid-19.

| Michaela Martin

 As of our lives have been uprooted and sent online, and we all are coping with this craziness in our own ways. It is often easy to overlook mental health, and I think many young adults do. With this pandemic sweeping the world, I think it has made many of us stop for a second and hopefully take care of ourselves, but now with the school year back in swing and being back on a college campus there are many things we need to remind ourselves, especially in keeping healthy relationships. 

From the fear of contracting Covid-19, to the isolation it has brought upon us, it is not uncommon that we may be feeling completely overwhelmed. It’s also not uncommon for these emotions to play into our relationships. Here is a guide to help you navigate through these feelings, while still maintaining healthy meaningful relationships.  

You have to let yourself be vulnerable. Open up about the emotions you’re experiencing and be honest about them. Let your friends, partners, or family know that you are struggling right now and could use some extra support or patience. That is much easier said than done, trust me I know.

If you aren’t comfortable opening up to a close friend or family member, contact a coach or counseling service. While having a virtual mental health coaching or counseling session is a different experience, it is still an objective source that can help you work through your emotions and why you may be feeling the way you are. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there are resources to help you.

During these confusing and changing times, we may not fully understand how we are feeling. These emotions can often interfere with our relationships because they impact how we relate to others. It is easy to try and push away or cover up these feelings, but this can negatively impact your mindset and may make things worse long term. It takes courage to open up about what you are dealing with, but most often you will find it is a relief to share and acknowledge your feelings. I know it is scary and challenging but please reach out and support each other during this unprecedented time. 

Resources

Wellness Coaching: https://swc.osu.edu/services/wellness-coaching/

Buckeye Peer Access Line: https://swc.osu.edu/services/buckeye-peer-access-line/

-Sarah Frederick, Wellness Ambassador 

Breathing Yourself into Pleasure

| Michaela Martin

Orgasms are one of the most fulfilling and climatic experiences that can come from sexual activity. So large it usually signals the end of the sexual experience (unless one decides to continue). It is interesting to see how exercising some control over breathing can increase a person’s erotic pleasure. First, consider what your breathing is like when you are having sex with someone else or alone? Are your breaths short, are you holding your breathe, is your exhale area your nose or mouth? These small things about breathing and allowing a larger air capacity can impact the pleasure of orgasms. 

It may feel pretty normal to hold one’s breath as one nears towards orgasm, but this has the ability to undermine the sensation. This can be a natural reaction from nervousness, excitement, and the need to be quiet to not disturb anyone or anything else, but holding ones breathe actually causes the body to tense up. This tension causes the flow of oxygen in the body to stagger and cease inhibiting the response to the orgasmic sensation. Prioritizing deep, full, and controlled breathing helps increases oxygen in blood flow, reduces stress, and stretches and relaxes muscles including the pelvic floor. This is essential to the sexual response cycle as it boosts the circulation of blood and internal movement within the body allowing one to feel the orgasm intensely all over. At the same time, don’t concentrate too hard on breathing and become self-conscious. This can lead to a disruption of the flow that is attempting to be achieved. The goal is to experience pleasure at a heighten stage, but do not force it; allow it.  

Some tips for focusing on breathing and maximizing pleasure: 

  1. Practice breathing fully and deeply into and from the diaphragm while performing Kegel exercises with the pelvic floor. Kegels are using the pelvic floor muscles to contract and release. This exercise will increase pelvic floor strength, which increases contractions during orgasms. The breathing with allow blood and oxygen flow; the flow and circulation can help produce lubrication and erection as the pelvic area is focused on. **This can also be done without Kegels if desired! 
  2. Edging. Edging is purposefully denying orgasmic relief when close to it on multiple occasions in one occurrence until finally deciding to release. This can make an orgasm more powerful as the sensation receptors are being built up until ultimately they are released. In the process of denying oneself or allowing a partner to deny orgasmic relief, using those moments to also focus on breathing, keeps oxygen and blood flowing in the body to release tension that will make the final climax more enjoyable.  

Some college students are sexually active with partners, and some college students are only sexually active with themselves. Either way, they deserve to have fulfilling sexual experiences on their own terms. Sexual pleasure is an important aspect of sexual health, and maximizing that aspect is equally as important.  

Below are some resources filled with tips and helpful knowledge!  

 

Kiana Rattliff, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador 

Condoms: So Many Choices, So Little Time

| Michaela Martin

Ribbed or regular? Latex or polyurethane? Flavored or not? When it comes to condoms, there are so many things to consider that deciding which kind to buy can feel overwhelming. As a college student, it’s important to buy condoms that work well for you, because condoms are crucial in preventing unintended pregnancy and they are the only contraceptive that can reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here’s a guide to help you separate myths from facts and choose the best condoms for you! 

Size matters
One of the most important parts of using a condom is making sure it fits! Condoms that are too tight can cause pain, and condoms that are too loose run the risk of slipping off during sex. Sizing varies depending on the brand, so your best bet is to try out your chosen brand’s standard size and then size up or down if the condom feels uncomfortably tight or slips off easily when you try to move it. Choosing a condom that fits well will help both you and your partner experience more pleasure and peace of mind — you’ll thank yourself for it! 

Latex to lambskin– choosing the right material
The most common type of condoms you’ll find at your local drugstore are made of latex. Latex pairs well with water-based lubricant; silicone-based and other types of lube can cause latex to tear. Latex works well for many people, but if you or your partner has a latex allergy, you’ll want to look for other options. Polyurethane and lambskin condoms are alternatives to the traditional latex condom. Polyurethane is a form of plastic, and condoms made of this material are effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs; however, polyurethane is thinner and breaks more easily than latex, so it’s a good idea to use a water- or silicone-based lube to help avoid breakage. Lambskin condoms are made of natural animal material and also prevent pregnancy, but they don’t prevent STIs. This means lambskin isn’t the best choice for most college students.  

Textures, flavors, and sensations, oh my!
If you’re like me, you’ve probably passed through the family planning aisle at your local drugstore and been astounded by the huge variety of textures and sensations promised by many of the brands: “ribbed for her pleasure,” “fire and ice,” just to name a few. Condoms that feature a ribbed or studded design are meant to increase the pleasure of the receptive partner during intercourse, but we’re all different, and not all of these work for everybody. It’s a good idea to try a number of these types of condoms if you’re interested in finding ways to increase pleasure. Thinner condoms can also be a good choice to increase sensation for both partners! 

Flavored condoms look fun, and they can be- but only for oral sex. They actually aren’t designed to be used for vaginal or anal sex because the sugary ingredients they contain can cause yeast infections.  

“Warming” condoms are designed to increase a sensation of warmth to make erections last longer, while “numbing” condoms desensitize both partners, which seems a little counterintuitive to the pleasure most people want during sex. These types of condoms can be fun to try, but they may cause irritation for some. If that happens, just opt for a different type of condom that feels good for both partners! 

Now that you can tell the many types of condoms available to you apart, go and find the best type of condom for you and any partners you might have. Remember, it can take some trial and error- but it’s worth it to keep you safe and feeling good. 

Note: This post is about external (male) condoms. Internal (female) condoms and dental dams are other barrier methods that are effective in preventing the spread of STIs. Resources with information about them are below.  

 

Resources 

 

Sara Kleine, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador

Cultivating Courage in 2021

| Michaela Martin

“Courage is one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It often requires a sense of faith, in not knowing the outcome, yet striving forward anyway.” – Maya Angelou 

What thoughts come to mind when you think about cultivating courage? How do you envision courage happening in your life in 2021? What current fears or hesitations are keeping you from acting courageously?  

While we may often equate courage to an extravagant goal or achievement, courage can look like many things.  

Courage can look like:  

  • Trying something new for the first time 
  • Seeking mentorship 
  • Speaking up for yourself 
  • Committing to a long-term goal 
  • Changing your major 
  • Setting boundaries for yourself 
  • Developing new relationships 
  • Applying for a new job or internship 

As you continue to navigate what courage may look like for you in 2021, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Asking for help early and often is one of the most vulnerable and courageous things you can do. If you’re not sure where to seek support from, you can always use Buckeye PAL as your starting point! 

The Buckeye Peer Access Line (PAL), is a non-crisis peer-to-peer support line that provides a space for students to engage in brief phone conversations to discuss a challenge they are experiencing and to receive helpful resources that can assist them. Buckeye PAL operates Mon.- Fri. From 8 pm to 12 am when classes are in session. Buckeye PAL does not operate during university holidays.  

This semester, Buckeye PAL will also be offering group sessions! 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Conversation with PAL volunteers.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly conversation on common challenges college students face. During this session, you will have the opportunity to hear from Buckeye PAL volunteers about their experiences, learn about recommended university resources, and express your own challenges and concerns in supported small groups. 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Mindfulness Practice.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly wellness practice. Each session will include meditation, mindful movement and reflection. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal for note-taking. 

Check out our website for the latest updates and to register for an upcoming session.  

“Having courage does not meant that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means that face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen but I will get up’”. – Maya Angelou  

We look forward to supporting you along your journey! 

Ivory Levert,  Buckeye Peer Access Line, Program Manager 

Navigating Birth Control options doesn’t have to be Chaos

| Michaela Martin

For a person with a uterus, there are many methods of birth control to choose from. These types of birth control can be hormonal or non-hormonal. You have options! In this post, I am going to break down the major differences between some of those options. 

Short-Acting Contraceptives  

Condoms:
Condoms are an easy and accessible non-hormonal method of birth control and STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention. They don’t require a doctor visit or a prescription. Condoms are up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy with “perfect use.” With typical use, that number drops to around 85% effectiveness. If you are a student living near or on campus, consider joining the Condom Club to purchase cheaper condoms. If you do not live near campus, the Ohio HIV/STI Hotline might be a great option to turn to; see the Resources section below to learn more! 

The Pill:
There are SO many types of birth control pills today. With so many formulations of hormones, you should end up finding what is right for your body after trying a few with a prescription. The pill works by suppressing ovulation and increasing cervical mucus, which both make it harder for you to get pregnant. With typical use (taking a pill each day), birth control is 91% effective. This means that around 9 in 100 people will get pregnant each year on the pill. The pill does not prevent against STIs; it becomes more effective if you combine it with a barrier method of protection (i.e., an external or internal condom, dental dam, finger cot, or latex glove). 

 

The Ring:
The ring is an insertable hormonal contraceptive that requires a prescription. You insert the ring vaginally, almost like a tampon. The ring sits right next to your cervix when worn correctly and needs to be removed every three weeks. The typical use of the ring results in a 91% protection rate from pregnancy. This birth control method does not protect you against STIs (so be sure to use a barrier method with it).  

 

The Patch:
The patch is a hormonal birth control option that attaches to your skin like a band aid. It also requires a prescription. You can place the patch anywhere on your body except for your breasts. It is worn for one week, and then replaced with another patch. The typical use of the contraceptive patch results in around 91% protection from pregnancy and does not protect you from STIs.  

 

The Shot:
The shot is a hormonal birth control method that must be administered by a healthcare provider every three months (or a total of four times each year).  It is just like getting the flu shot in your arm.  The typical use of the shot results in around 99% protection from pregnancy but does not protect against STIs. 

 

Long- Acting Contraceptives 

The IUD:
The IUD, or intrauterine device, has both hormonal and non-hormonal options for protection against pregnancy. These devices can offer protection anywhere from three to 12 years after they are inserted into the uterus by your provider. An IUD is 99% effective against pregnancy. These devices do not offer protection against STIs (so remember to use a barrier method with it if needed). 

The Implant:
The implant is a small hormonal plastic bar that is inserted into your upper arm by a provider. This form of birth control offers protection for up to three years. The implant is 99% effective against pregnancy. This device also does not offer protection against STIs. 

Remember that birth control doesn’t need to be chaotic. Visit the resources below to learn more about your options and decide on the best method for you! 

Resources: 

 

Grace Axelson, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador 

#BeKind

| Michaela Martin

Being Kind has many benefits to your overall health and well-being. Did you know, kindness increases: energy, happiness, lifespan, pleasure and serotonin and decreases: pain, anxiety, stress, depression and blood pressure.  

We could all benefit from a little extra kindness right now. Take 5 minutes and send a message of gratitude to a friend, call a loved one, or engage in an activity that gives you to joy to be kind to yourself.  

Is expressing your creative side something you enjoy? Help spread kindness at Ohio State by submitting artwork that could be featured in outdoor spaces around campus.  

The Office of Student Life and Kind Columbus are hosting a contest for Ohio State students, faculty, staff, alumni and Columbus community members to submit artwork that could be featured in outdoor spaces around campus. These Instagrammable Walls will help promote kindness, positivity and mental health support on campus and in the Columbus community. In addition to seeing their artwork displayed around campus, winners of the #BeKind Instagram Wall Contest will also receive $500 to donate to a non-profit organization from the Columbus Foundation’s Giving Store of their choice. 

The #BeKind Instagram Wall Contest is open throughout February 2021. To lean more and submit artwork please visit the Kindness Website.  

 

Creating Healthy Goals for 2021

| Michaela Martin

As you set your sights on a New Year and decade of life, you might be considering – or have already started to engage in – resolutions you’ve created for yourself to enhance your life. For many, those resolutions often entail taking care of one’s health, usually in the form of weight management strategies.

If you’re considering following a particular diet, check out the U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 ranking of best (and worst) diets. Their hallmark for a “best” diet includes balance, maintainability, palatability (tastes good), family-friendliness (social engagement), sustainability, and healthfulness.

To start your health goals on a positive trajectory, consider the following guidelines:

  • Are your goals healthy enough for others to follow?
  • Do your goals take into account your personal strengths or values?
  • Are they goals YOU want to achieve versus parents, friends, etc.?
  • Do your goals positively or negatively impact your health (mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually, financially, academically)?

Not sure how to get started with your health goals? Consider the following resources:

Check out additional resources below, and cheers to health and a happy New Year!

Articles

Top 10 recipes from 2019

  1. Black bean, quinoa and veggie bake
  2. Pumpkin zucchini bread
  3. Carrot cake baked oatmeal
  4. Slow-cooker green and white chicken chili
  5. Zucchini tacos
  6. Chocolate nut butter cups
  7. Mediterranean chickpea quinoa power bowl
  8. Kung pao pasta
  9. Blueberry baked oatmeal cups
  10. Greek lentil power bowl

 

– Janele Bayless, LPC, RDN

Stress: Getting a Handle on It

| Michaela Martin

With classes online and finals beginning, it can be difficult to manage your stress as a college student. Having a little bit of stress is always good for motivation, but there is definitely a balance for what is considered “good stress” and what can just burn you out. We interviewed a few Ohio State students to see what they do to relax and any advice they may have. From Derek, a Finance major, to Ally, a Biochemistry major, to Abbey, a French and Criminology major, we have students from across the board wanting to share their experiences and advice! 

Their Best Tips for Handling Stress  

The students’ number one tip was to take a break from work in some form—whether that be taking five-minute breaks frequently like Ally or taking a hot shower and pampering yourself like Abbey. Jacqueline, a Sports Industry major, made a great point by saying that being incredibly stressed while trying to push yourself to study will only take a toll on you. You must put your personal wellness first.  

While it would be great if we could take long breaks often, most of the time people can’t—whether it be due to a short break between classes or needing to get a lot done in a short amount of time. The best advice students gave was to find a way to center yourself and be in the moment. Alyssa, a Nutrition major, loves using guided breathing videos on YouTube while Derek uses an app on his phone for guided meditation. Taylor, a Business/Economics major, loves to do an interesting activity where she uses all her senses and thinks about what she hears, smells, tastes, and feels in the moment to ground herself.  

If you have an hour available to take a break, try getting active outside or creating a relaxing environment for yourself. For relaxation, Derek loves watching his favorite TV show and Abbey loves taking a quick nap to recharge. Alternatively, Abbey says that if a nap isn’t what she’s feeling then dancing in her room can also lift her mood. Alyssa, Taylor, and Ally also said something similar and love working out if they have the time and energy. 

No matter how busy you are it’s always important to spend a few hours a week away from school. For half–day stress reducing activities, one main thing students said they loved to do was meet with friends or go off campus. Derek, Ally, and Jacqueline love getting food with friends around campus and Alyssa said she loves going shopping with friends if they have the time. Along with this, Abbey loves going to farmer’s markets and antique shops on weekends and Taylor loves finding something on Pinterest to paint.  

Overall, these students have some great activities they love to do. Whether that means seeing friends or doing a hobby alone, they’ve each found what works for them and helps bring balance to their life. If there’s anything to be learned from this article, it’s that you don’t have to do what everyone else does or push yourself to the edge. It’s all about finding what works for you and bringing balance to your life.  

PS- While it’s always good to major in something you enjoy, no matter what you choose there will be hardships that come your way. Finding what makes you relax and enjoying the present moment will make those hardships much easier to bear! 

By Ava Dong, Stress Wellness Ambassador 

Resources: