Barbie will turn 50 on March 9th and she looks terrific - which needn't be cultural guilt for anyone because healthy examples are shown to be better role models for kids than unhealthy ones. So Barbie may be too perfect for some but it's better than having toothless, obese, chain-smoking dolls for kids to emulate.
Haines has advice for women of all ages on how adapting a little Barbie can be good for them.
Dr. Cindy Haines is a clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University and family doctor. Credit: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
“While Barbie probably has been blessed with good genes, she has obviously paid attention to her health and focused ahead to do what she can to prevent health problems. You can tell that she’s an excellent patient and puts a health at the top of her priority list,” Haines said.
“Having been a tennis player, aerobics instructor, equestrian, lifeguard, ballet dancer, and gymnast, Barbie loves to exercise and has washboard abs and a tiny waist to prove it. She knows that regular, weight bearing activity is one of the best things you can do to keep your bones strong and stave off osteoporosis.”
Barbie’s been a McDonald’s cashier, candy saleswoman and a soda fountain waitress, but likely rejects most food sold on the job, Haines said.
“She probably loves the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables that contain a high ratio of antioxidants to combat aging. Because she watches what she eats and exercises, her cholesterol levels likely are on target, and she probably doesn’t have to take medication.”
Barbie may enjoy an occasional cocktail now and then, Haines said. And she’s never smoked.
“You can tell because her skin is nice and firm, she has long luxurious hair and bright, white teeth. And on the inside, I suspect her heart is strong, her arteries plaque-free and her lungs are clear.”
Although Barbie never married and had children, she’s surrounded herself with loved ones. Barbie has had a long-term relationship with Ken (they’re back together after a short break-up), six brothers and sisters and countless friends.
And Barbie has many interests. She’s run for president and been an astronaut, paleontologist, teacher, surgeon, veterinarian, dentist, fashion model, flight attendant, ambassador for world peace, NASCAR driver and princess. She’s traveled around the world and back in time, exploring new and different cultures as she keeps learning.
“Numerous studies show that staying socially connected and living up to your potential can help ward off dementia, so Barbie is doing what she can to stay mentally healthy,” Haines said. “She’ll no doubt continue to be engaged into her 8th, 9th and 10th decade.”
Barbie might have received a little plastic surgery or cosmetic assist to help her defy gravity and look her best, Haines acknowledged.
“She may have had some fillers. There are definitely things you can do to make slight tweaks in your appearance.”
Haines’ medical advice to Barbie? Keep up the good work.
“It’s particularly important for Barbie to have an annual skin check because we know how much she loves to go to the beach. And of course, as she spends time tooling around in her convertible, she should remember to wear a floppy hat and sunglasses to protect her eyes.
“If I were Barbie’s doctor, I would encourage her to keep up with her regular preventive screening regime. She should continue to see her internist or family doctor every year and, along with a yearly mammogram, remember her clinical breast exam, pelvic exam and, if necessary, a pap smear. Now that she’s hit 50, she should get a colonoscopy to detect colon cancer. And she should mention to her doctor any symptoms and signs that are unusual for her to ensure early diagnosis should any health issue be emerging,” Haines said.
“If you take care of the insides, the outsides will follow.”
