FitSugar

Modern Ways to Teach Today's Youth About Sexual Health

Annie Scudder — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:45:21 PDT

Deb Levine, the founder of Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS), kicked off the annual Sex::Tech conference today in San Francisco, an event dedicated to advancing sexual health of American youth. Deb unveiled the findings from ISIS's just-released white paper on how youth and young adults use technology for their sexual and reproductive health. While the teen pregnancy rate is dropping overall, rates among African American and Hispanic youth are much higher. And African American teens, for example, are nine times more likely than Caucasian kids to contract STDs like chlamydia. Deb said that "while we're reaching some youth with messages that work, we're not reaching our most vulnerable youth." Luckily, she proposed some solutions.

For today's youth, sex info is everywhere - on games, Google, Hulu, and in health class. Deb pointed out when it comes to hormone-infused young people, the sexier the information, the more they pay attention. What will they pay more attention to, she asked rhetorically, Our Bodies, Ourselves or Hot Bodies hosted by Mel B?

Obviously some of the information from sexier sources may not be correct, leading to bad decision-making and consequences. But adults and society need to respect youth as consumers; they will seek out the product they want. If sex can be used to sell cars and movies, why not sex health? Deb said adults need to talk to kids, not at kids. After all, they say themselves that not using a condom is "stupid." Deb explained: "Get more sophisticated about the realities of their sex lives. Saying 'use a condom' isn't good enough. If you infuse some humor, everyone ends up on the joke."

ISIS decided to do just that. It partnered with Funny or Die and made a pretty hilarious video of adults giving bad sex advice. "If you run out of condoms, it's OK to use a plastic bag." Or, "Pregnancy only happens if you secretly want it to." It definitely caught my attention.

Based on the research, ISIS also suggests getting smart about Internet search. Teens don't search sexual health, but "I have a rash down there." Sex educators will reach them if they optimize Google search. The goal is to be ubiquitous, reaching youth on Google, games, via text, or on Facebook, to guarantee they get good information.

If you want to see the Funny or Die video just read more.

Transgender Beauty Could Be America's Next Top Model

LibertySugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:45:03 PDT

The upcoming Season of America's Next Top Model embraces diversity as usual. Twenty-two-year-old Isis, who identifies as a woman but born physically male, will compete as the show's first transgender contestant.

While GLAAD hails the choice as an unprecedented opportunity for visibility, Isis has a more humble assessment of her role in breaking societal barriers for trasngender individuals - Isis has explained: "I like to help people, but I'm here to follow my dreams."

While it probably can't hurt the CW's ratings (and we all know Tyra loves publicity), featuring a beautiful transgender contestant could also help the trasngender community gain mainstream acceptance by breaking stereotypes.

If you're a big ANTM fan Buzz has the skinny on the rest of the contestants, and Bella has predicted how Tyra will handle makeover day. I wonder if Isis's gender identity will be a major theme of the show, or whether it will be something viewers easily forget.

Photo courtesy of The CW.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Isis Whirlwind Shell

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:45:00 PDT

Now that the weather is warming up, it's rain you've got to worry about, not snow. Don't let a little drizzle keep you from exercising outdoors.

This Isis Whirlwind Shell ($79) is not only waterproof, but it's windproof, too, so you'll stay warm in this slightly chilly air. The inner lining is made with a breathable microcell coating; so if you sweat, the moisture won't get trapped making you wet and cold. The outer layer dries quickly, which also keeps you warm. It's super lightweight, only two ounces, so you won't even realize you're wearing it. Another cool thing is that the zippered pocket doubles as a stuff sack, so you can easily pack it on a hiking trip or bike ride. If you're not into the Bluebell color (shown), it also comes in a light-green color called Endive.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Isis Zip Neck Fleece

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:30:00 PDT

Even though the Chicago Marathon was marred by scorching temperatures, I am still thinking about layering for cooler weather. You want extra layers that will keep you warm without adding unnecessary bulk to your frame.

Check out the Ella Zip Neck from Isis. Don't they just scream fall? I love the gorgeous and soothing colors this fleece pullover comes in.

Since it's designed by Isis, you know that it's made to fit a woman's body and her active lifestyle. The 9" zipper can be pulled all the way up to keep your neck and chest warm, and it can be pulled down to cool you off. It's made of microfleece, so it's warm but not too bulky. It can be easily tied around your waist or stuffed in a pack to save when you need it.

This fleece is soft and cozy enough to wear alone, but can also be layered over a tank top or baselayer. Once winter comes, you can also use it as an extra layer under your coat. I love the feminine contoured fit and it's only $65. Order it from Isis.

Isis Laughs in the Face of Puddles

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:30:00 PDT

Spring is almost here and the idea of being in the great outdoors unburdened by layers upon layers of clothes sounds exhilarating, doesn't it?. Remember though, Spring does come with its fair share of puddles and mud. So whether you are looking forward to running, hiking or biking on your favorite trail you need not fear the mud. These Misty Mountain Pants from Isis will protect you.

They're baggy enough to fit over your leggings or running shorts, and they'll slide right over your sneaks or trail running shoes because they have 10 inch ankle zippers. The waistband is elastic, so it'll be snug and comfortable. These pants are made out of nylon with XPR coating to resist ripping and keep you dry.

Isis is a company made for and by women, so they know what we like. What's great about these pants is that they come in sizes 2-16, not just small, medium, and large. They understand that women come in all shapes and sizes, and we want clothes that will offer a flattering fit. Order a pair online for $79 from Isis directly.

Get Your Butt in Gear: ISIS

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:15:58 PST

If you didn't receive that new ski jacket that was on your Christmas list, check out ISIS - their motto is "Our clothes don't just fit women's bodies, they fit women's lives."

ISIS is geared toward the active yet stylish woman, so they have you covered when it comes to performance clothing that's both functional and flattering.

These clothes are made by women, so they know what we like and what we need.

Check out their water-resistant down coat, the Whisper Jacket, which will keep you warm and dry for only $169.

Or my absolute favorite, a must-have, Split-P Tights. These are fleece-lined fitted pants that have an invisible zipper in the crotch to allow you to relieve yourself without getting completely undressed. Brilliant, right? Are these made for women or what?

TSA Searches Hairstylist's Afro on Atlanta Train Platform

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:12:09 PDT

Dallas hairstylist Isis Brantley was shocked when TSA agents came up to her on the platform of the interterminal train at the Atlanta airport and told her they needed to check her Afro for drugs and explosives. TSA hair checks aren't unheard of, but they are invasive, and this is certainly the first case we've heard of a search so far from security. The TSA claims that Ms. Brantley simply walked off before her security screening was over, and that they offered to take her to a private area for the pat down, but Brantley disputes both those claims.

If you've ever been to the Atlanta airport, you know that the terminal trains aren't really anywhere close to security, and it seems truly odd that TSA agents would have let someone who wasn't done with her screening wander halfway through the airport before they thought to catch up with her. Ms. Brantley says it isn't the search she objected to, it was the public humiliation. Do you think it's reasonable for TSA agents to check people's hair (especially outside a checkpoint), and would you feel violated if this happened to you?

Link Time: Beauty Tips From J.Crew's September Catalog

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:57:18 PDT

Beauty tips from J.Crew's September catalog - Refinery29
Honey beauty, or why bees can make you prettier - xoJane
Old-ladyish beauty products that will make you hot - Glamour
How to never take a bad picture again - InStyle
Six sexy short hairstyles - Real Simple
ANTM's Isis King walked in Baltimore Fashion Week shows - The Cut
12 makeup bag essentials for back-to-school - College Fashion
The 10 best products you can find at Sally Beauty Supply - Brown Bombshell Beauty
Five tips for revamping your makeup look - FabSugar UK