Eating Disorders
Focus of the Month - February 2016 
Over 30 million Americans have some kind of eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that makes people lose more weight than is healthy. Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people have episodes of overeating, and then use unhealthy behaviors to rid their bodies of the food and avoid gaining weight. These eating disorders and others not specified all feature serious disturbances in eating behavior and weight regulation. A person with an eating disorder may start out just eating smaller or larger amounts of food, but at some point, their urge to eat less or more spirals out of control. Severe distress or concern about body weight or shape, or extreme efforts to manage weight or food intake, also may characterize an eating disorder.
Eating disorders affect both genders, although rates among women and girls are 2½ times greater than among men and boys. Eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood but also may develop during childhood or later in life.
Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses. They frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. Treatment of eating disorders is very individualized. A combination of medical care, counseling and/or medication is common. Like most health problems, early detection and treatment is best.
If you or someone you love may have an eating disorder, talk to your doctor or encourage her/him to seek help. Families are impacted when a loved one has an eating disorder. To find out what families can do to help, you can also use the National Eating Disorders Association confidential Helpline at 1-800-931-2237
(Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST). Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov or www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
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Smart Moves™ is a fun, non-diet, family approach to weight management for youth ages 8-12 and their families. A parent or other designated adult is included in every session. A registered dietitian, social worker, and exercise specialist will work with families to promote both improved physical and mental health.
When: February 29 - May 16, 2016
Mondays: 6:15 - 7pm and Wednesdays 6:15-7:30pm
Where: Riverside YMCA
Fee: $20 deposit which is refundable if you attend 20 out of the 24 sessions and make 1 nutrition and 1 physical activity behavior change.
Contact: 240-964-8417 or email jmthomas@wmhs.com
