It’s almost Christmas, and even in a country that doesn’t necessarily celebrate this particularly holiday season, you can still sense the magic in the air.
From the intimate, at-home Christmas gatherings shared across social media, to the family Christmas events staged by local hotels and the baby class, which Miss A attended this year, it’s clear that even among an expat community in a Middle Eastern country, December still finds a way to be a joyous, magical time of year.
Plus, J is busily planning and prepping for our family Christmas lunch next week! Definitely sounds like it’ll be a delicious feast … and, I for one, am seriously looking forward to some yummy eggnog to celebrate the season!
pulling back the glittery curtain
I love Christmas, and it seems that The BMJ shares in the joy of the Christmas spirit as well, with their Christmas edition cheekily pulling back the glittery curtain on wellness woes of our favourite Disney Princesses.
Turns out even seemingly perfect Disney Princesses have their wellness woes!
And maybe, like the rest of us, they should consider including some health-related goals when penning their New Year’s resolutions? Hmm.
Ah, the Disney Princess.
A vision of beauty, bravery and resilience. But beneath the glitter, ball gowns, the glass slippers, and the oh, so PERFECT hair, what would health experts actual say about their health?
Turns out, our favourite heroines might be in urgent need of a GP, therapist or possible an occupational health and safety consultation.
The BMJ’s Christmas issue has made on thing clear: being a Disney Princess isn’t all enchanted castles and singing to forest creatures — it’s a potential public health crisis! *insert sarcasm*
seems ‘an apple a day’ doesn’t quite keep the doctor away
Take Snow White, for example.
A personal fave in our household — Miss A wore the most ADORABLE Snow White costume to Disney on Ice for her first birthday. I might be biased, but she was definitely THE CUTEST little Snow White in attendance that afternoon!
Well, poor little Snow White. The poison apple is the least of her problems.
As it turns out, Snow White’s solitary life as a scullery maid could lead to cardiovascular issues, depression, and even early death.
And as mentioned earlier, even her one healthy snack — a red apple — turned out to be poisonous!
So much for, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’! Ha!
sleep, glorious sleep
Next up, we have Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora, who doesn’t seem to fare much better.
Her “infinite sleep” might sound like, well … a DREAM!
Especially as a mum … mmm SLEEP! I mean, I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since 2023 … So, what’s on my Christmas wish list this year? SLEEP! … along with a massage … and one of those Body Pods I’ve seen advertised on social media!
Anyhoo … Back to Little Miss Sleepyhead!
According to The BMJ Sleeping Beauty’s prolonged bed rest increases her risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and pressure ulcers.
And let’s not forget Prince Philip’s kiss.
As the author’s point out, it may have woken her — phew! — but it also broke modern consent norms … Hmm! Maybe not quite in line with 2024 #relationshipgoals.
forget the ball, girl!
Now to Cinderella.
Poor Cinderella.
Not only did she lose her mumma and then her papa at such a young age, she was then stuck slaving away for her evil stepmother.
Perhaps not a surprise, but according to The BMJ, Cinderella’s endless exposure to dust and microplastic glitter — looking at you, Fairy Godmother! — puts her at risk for occupational lung disease.
Forget the ball, girl! The author’s at The BMJ recommend some respiratory therapy, stat!
her hair is not a rope, man!
Next up, Rapunzel.
Now, who DOESN’T envy her hair! I mean, COME ON!!
But the experts warn that all that pulling from all that, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair” … I mean, DUDE! Her hair is nice but it’s not a rope, yeah! … puts her at risk of traction alopecia, leading to scalp pain, headaches, and permanent damage.
So, dear Prince … if you want your girl maintaining her luscious locks, maybe find another way to climb up that tower. Just sayin’!
the risks of cozying up to a beast
And then there’s Beauty and the Beast’s, Belle — our intellectual dreamer.
But despite reading all those books and being the town’s introverted “good girl”, she, too has her own problems.
Cozying up to the Beast? Hello, rabies risk!
think carefully when choosing a pet
Princess Jasmine from Aladdin is also at risk of the health effects of loneliness, note The BMJ’s authors, as she grows up within the walls of her palace, without any friends.
And her pet tiger, Rajah! Well, not only does he pose a risk of zoonotic infection but it’s a TIGER!
Her PET IS A TIGER!
Hello, a tiger’s natural instincts could lead to a well, potentially RIP Princess Jasmine situation. *Insert facepalm*
the ill effects of too much pressure
Even Mulan isn’t off the wellness hook!
While she’s is celebrated as a warrior who saves the empire of China, she repeatedly experiences pressure from her family to uphold their honour.
According to The BMJ, women facing honour-based violence may experience increased levels of mental ill health from being forced into living a life they did not choose.
INTENSE!
a good time for some honest reflection
While The BMJ authors’ humorous dive into the potential health hazards of Disney Princess life is certainly tongue-in-cheek — no, they’re not here to spoil the magic of your favorite childhood classics — it does raise an important question:
How are our own daily habits shaping our long-term health?
This festive season, as the tinsel sparkles and we navigate another whirlwind year’s end, maybe it’s time to pause — not just for a glass of eggnog but for some honest reflection.
Health resolutions might not glitter like a tiara or promise a fairy tale ballroom moment, but let’s be real:
A true “happily ever after” starts with prioritising our well-being.
So, as we wrap up 2024, let’s commit to fewer glass slipper pursuits (those things look so uncomfortable anyway!) and a bit more self-care “magic” in 2025 — like better sleep, regular exercise, nourishing whole foods, adequate hydration and stress management techniques.
x G.
Feature image: Shutterstock.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
Leave a Reply