Hair straightener bid to boost PE

Hair straighteners have been introduced to three schools in West Dunbartonshire in a bid to encourage more girls to take part in physical education.

The local council bought them after teenage girls said they worried about “bad hair” after sports classes.

Nine sets of straighteners have been installed in the female changing areas of three new “flagship” schools in the area at a cost of about £800.

The council said the move was part of wider efforts to improve PE facilities.

Hair straighteners are now in place for female pupils at St Peter the Apostle, Clydebank High and Vale of Leven Academy.

‘Falling participation’

A council spokeswoman said: “West Dunbartonshire Council has installed nine sets of hair straighteners within the changing facilities at each of the council’s three new flagship schools.

“The council considers the views of pupils to be critical in ensuring that the school environment is as positive and inclusive as possible and pupils were widely consulted during the design phase.

“The falling rate of female participation in sport was a key issue discussed by pupils and improvements to changing and showering facilities, including the installation of hair straighteners, was considered important in reversing this trend.

“The installation amounts to a total expenditure of less than £1,000 to encourage more girls to participate in PE and support positive self-image.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8260716.stm

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Rogaine (minoxidil) was first on the scene. Its ability to fight hair loss was discovered accidentally. The drug, a vasodilator, was originally used exclusively to treat high blood pressure, when some patients began reporting that it re-grew hair as a side effect. It was approved by the FDA in 1988 to treat male pattern baldness. Rogaine, by Pfizer, is primarily effective at stopping hair loss, but in some patients, it can increase protein blocks, which can promote new hair growth. It is said to be effective both on the hairline and vertex of scalp. Rogaine can be used by both men and women, in a 2% or 5% solution.

Propecia (finasteride), made by Merck, is an orally administered medication approved by the FDA in 1997 to treat hair loss. Unlike Rogaine, which is a vasodilator, Propecia acts on hair loss through hormonal means. (Because of this, Propecia should NOT be used by women or children; it could be very dangerous.) Propecia is an anti-androgen, which decreases the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a chemical responsible for balding. With DHT inhibited, existing hair is better maintained, and the body can put more energy into thinning follicles so that they become thicker. Propecia has high effectiveness with early to moderate hair loss, and works best on the crown of the head, but not as well with a receding hairline.

Neither Rogaine nor Propecia is a quick fix for hair loss. They both need to be taken for long periods. It can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months to see initial results, and patients may need to take their chosen medication indefinitely keep treating the condition.

Knowing all this, which factors should guide your choice between Rogaine and Propecia?

Your gender: if you are male, you can be prescribed either (or both), but if you are a woman, you can only use Rogaine.

Your goals: Rogaine is slightly more useful for retaining existing hair, while Propecia is said to be more effective at promoting new hair growth.

Your area of hair loss: Propecia has good results mainly on the crown, while Rogaine has documented success on the hairline and the crown.

Medical interactions: Consult your physician to determine which drug is a better fit for your personal health conditions and other medications.

Side effects: With Propecia, you may experience decreased libido or gynecomastia. Rogaine may trigger allergic effects, chest pain, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat.

Ease of use: Some people feel that a daily pill is simpler than a twice-daily application to the scalp, but others prefer to pick their medication based on its mode of action.

Whichever method you select, be patient, and remember to keep feeling good about yourself, your hair, and your overall health. As with any drug, please consult your physician before you begin any medication.

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