Fads and fashions: the price women pay

Over the past 100 years, women’s fashions have undergone great change but rarely have been practical or logical, whether they consist of the tight corset, platform shoes, or the deep golden tan. The principle behind fashions is that the current “look” makes a statement of what society wants a woman to be and establishes the social hierarchy. Each of the fashion trends serves a cultural purpose, but also may have a price for the women who try to achieve the fashionable look. Health care providers for women need to be aware of fashion trends and adjust health screening and counseling appropriately.