Press Releases
Parents’ New Year’s Resolution Weight Loss Behaviors Can Contribue to Eating Disorders in Children
Eating Recovery Center Urges Parents to Model Healthy Behaviors While Tackling Weight Loss and Fitness Goals
As millions of Americans resolve to lose weight in 2012, parents’ new diet and fitness regimens may have an unintended, negative outcome—triggering disordered eating behaviors or body image issues in their children. Because children often will mirror what they observe in their adult counterparts, Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), an international center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, urges parents to be mindful with their food- and body-focused words and behaviors while undertaking New Year’s resolutions.
“Children and teens are very susceptible to picking up value judgments about body shape and size,” said Elizabeth Easton, PsyD, clinical director of Child and Adolescent Services at Eating Recovery Center. “If we teach them – through dieting, over-exercise behaviors and critiques of our own bodies – that there is a ‘good’ body type, then that is exactly what children will strive for at all costs if they are susceptible to an eating disorder or poor body image.”
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, weight and body consciousness among children begins at very young ages, with research finding that 81 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat and 46 percent of 9- to 11-year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets. More than one-third of “normal dieters,” many of whom begin dieting at young ages, progress to pathological dieting, a condition marked by continual dieting and from which 20 to 25 percent of individuals develop eating disorders. When considered alongside a recent Thomson Reuters and National Public Radio poll, which reveals that one-third of Americans have made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight in the last five years, this research illustrates the perfect storm parents can unknowingly initiate by adopting aggressive or unhealthy weight loss regimens.
Eating Recovery Center encourages parents to follow these four tips to model healthy behavior, help their children embrace healthy attitudes about their bodies and minimize the chances that children will adopt negative thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
1. Do not diet. Instead, resolve to eat healthier, well-balanced meals. Through their own behaviors, parents can teach children how to focus on moderation without rigidly labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
2. Shift your perspective on exercise. Instead of looking at exercise as a dreaded weight loss tool, approach it as a fun activity for feeling good and improving overall health. Plan family outings and activities and children will follow their parents’ example.
3. Be aware of comments you make about your body. Children are far more astute than parents may give them credit for, and they often mirror observed behaviors. Offhand comments about having a “fat day,” failing at your weight loss resolution or feeling too snug in an old pair of jeans can have a bigger effect on a developing child’s body image than many may think.
4. Be aware of comments you make about others. Criticizing others for “gaining a few pounds” over the holidays or complimenting someone for resolution-driven weight loss can lead children to believe that there are “good” and “bad” body shapes and sizes.
“Because eating disorders have a genetic component, children with a family history of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder are particularly susceptible to negative diet- and body-focused words and actions,” explains Dr. Easton. “In these children, seemingly innocent body image comments or dieting behaviors can quickly spiral out of
control.”
Parents are encouraged to seek an eating disorders assessment if they notice troubling food- or body image-oriented behaviors in their children. Recovery is entirely possible with early intervention and proper eating disorder treatment from qualified professionals.
Posted in General, In the News, Press Releases •
Eating Disorders Identified in College Freshmen as They Return Home for Winter Break
Eating Recovery Center Urges Parents to be Vigilant for Eating Disorders Signs
As college freshmen across the U.S. return home for the holidays, thousands of parents will – for the first time – discover eating disorders that developed during their child’s first semester. Because the transition to college is one of the two most common life stages in which eating disorders develop, Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), an international center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder, encourages parents to be vigilant for symptoms of eating disorders as their teens return home for the mid-year break.
“For many young adults, the pressures of the first semester of college can create the perfect storm for eating disorders development, and it’s easy for teens to hide behaviors from their families – particularly if they go to school far away from home,” explains Bonnie Brennan, MA, LPC, NCC, clinical director of Eating Recovery Center’s Adult Partial Hospitalization Program. “Many parents won’t see the outcome of this devastating development until their children return home for winter break.”
Dieting to avoid the “freshman 15,” stress from academic and social pressures and anxiety tied to being away from home for the first time are common triggers of first semester eating disorders development. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the mean age of eating disorders onset in the U.S. is 19. A 2006 poll of U.S. college campuses conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association found that one in five college students believe that at some point they have suffered from an eating disorder.
To help parents recognize eating disorders in college students and appropriately intervene, Eating Recovery Center highlights five winter break warning signs that may indicate their teen has an eating disorder or could be at risk for developing one:
Noticeable weight loss or weight gain since he or she entered college.
Helping with the preparation of holiday meals but not eating them.
Excessive exercise, even outdoors in poor winter weather conditions.
Withdrawal from family and friends and avoidance of gatherings, even if he or she has not seen loved ones for months.
Discussing college in a “stressed out” or obviously anxious manner or altogether avoiding conversations about school.
“Although parents may be tempted to send their young adult back to school, I strongly urge parents noticing any signs of an eating disorder to actively seek treatment,” explains Brennan. “With eating disorders, early intervention saves lives.”
Parents are encouraged to seek an eating disorders assessment if they notice these or other troubling behaviors in their teens while they are home for winter break. Recovery is entirely possible with early intervention and proper treatment from qualified professionals.
Posted in About Us, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating, Bulimia Nervosa, General, In the News, Press Releases •
Prestigious Eating Disorders Treatment Award Named in Honor of Eating Recovery Center’s Dr. Craig Johnson
Center’s Chief Clinical Officer Honored by National Eating Disorders Association for Outstanding Contributions to the Eating Disorders Field
Nationally recognized eating disorders expert, Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS, has been honored by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), with the creation of a prestigious professional award in his name. The “Craig Johnson Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice and Training,” which was awarded for the first time at NEDA’s annual conference in October, recognizes top eating disorders professionals who have distinguished themselves with their contributions to eating disorders knowledge, training and treatment.
Dr. Johnson is chief clinical officer of Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), an international center for eating disorders recovery, providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder.
“Craig Johnson is one of the most passionate, dedicated and talented clinicians treating eating disorders,” said Lynn Grefe, president and chief executive officer of NEDA. “As a pioneer in the field, he has shared his knowledge generously with all who enter this field, and has been a torch of inspiration for others in the search for more effective treatments.”
Dr. Johnson has been a leader in the eating disorders field for more than 30 years. He is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma Medical School and has formerly held faculty appointments at Yale, University of Chicago and Northwestern University Medical Schools.
An innovator in eating disorders treatment, Dr. Johnson has built eating disorders programs at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University Medical School, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, and has contributed significant clinical expertise to the development of Eating Recovery Center’s programs.
Dr. Johnson has been actively involved in treatment research. As a principal investigator on two National Institute of Mental Health funded collaborative studies, he has made significant contributions to the field’s understanding of the role of genetics in eating disorders and the effectiveness of Family Based Therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. He has authored three books and more than 80 scientific articles.
In his commitment to advancing eating disorders understanding and treatment implications, he has served as founding editor of the International Journal of Eating Disorders, co-founder of the International Conference on Eating Disorders, founder of the Academy for Eating Disorders and co-founder of the Eating Disorders Research Society. He is also a founding member and past president of NEDA.
“It is not hyperbole to say that Craig is our field’s pre-eminent visionary, for it was his prescience and vigor that led to the creation of the Academy for Eating Disorders, now home to research scholars and practitioners alike,” said Michael Strober, PhD, Franklin Mint chair in eating disorders, professor of psychiatry and director of the Eating Disorders Program at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. “There is no doubt that Craig’s legacy will be timeless.”
The 2011 Craig Johnson Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice & Training was awarded to Kelly Vitousek, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii; co-director of the Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Honolulu and director of its eating disorders program. She also serves on the editorial board of The International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Posted in About Us, General, In the News, Meetings/Events, Press Releases •
Eating Recovery Center Wants You to Silence “Fat Talk” During Fat Talk Free Week
Eating disorders experts offer insight to increase awareness of the effect individuals’ words and behaviors have on child and teen body image
Eating disorders are on the rise in children and one in 60 teens qualifies for an eating disorder diagnosis. During Fat Talk Free Week (October 16-22, 2011), Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), an international center for eating disorders recovery, urges individuals to increase awareness of the body-conscious comments they make in front of others, especially children and teens. “Fat talk,” whether directed at oneself or others, can damage children’s body image, and in serious cases, may trigger disordered eating behaviors.
“When we engage in ‘fat talk’ and critique our own bodies or the bodies of others, we teach children to value thinness above all else,” explains Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, CEDS, medical director of child and adolescent services at Eating Recovery Center. “This excessive focus on body shape and size creates an unrealistic ideal in the minds of children upon which body image issues and eating disorders can develop.”
Eating Recovery Center offers these four recommendations to help adults banish detrimental “fat talk,” model healthy behaviors and promote positive body image in children and teens.
1. Be aware of comments you make about your own body. Children and teenagers are far more astute than adults may give them credit for and they will often mirror observed behaviors. Offhand comments about having a “fat day” or feeling too snug in an old pair of jeans can have a bigger effect on a developing child or teen body image than many may think.
2. If you are a parent, talk to your children about images in the media. Children and teenagers are bombarded on a daily basis with celebrity gossip, weight loss advertisements and airbrushed photography. Discuss with your children how these images make them feel and explain why they are often unrealistic. Opening the lines of communication about body image can help children develop stronger self-esteem and healthier attitudes about their own bodies.
3. Encourage non-biased conversations about food and exercise. For many, “fat talk” can run rampant related to food and exercise. This negative self-talk can be as simple as expressing shame over eating a brownie or emphasizing the need to go to the gym to work off excess weight. To help children develop healthy attitudes toward food and exercise, focus on modeling behaviors that are “fat talk” free. Do not label foods as “good” or “bad;” instead, promote moderation and balance. Elevate exercise as a fun activity that gives you energy and makes you feel good.
4. Focus on who people are, not what they look like. Rather than focusing on body shape and size, compliment people for personality traits and focus on good deeds they have done. Teach children to do the same.
“Many adults may not realize that what they say can have a significant impact on children and teens,” explains Dr. Bermudez. “Fat Talk Free Week is an opportunity to encourage people to be more conscientious of their comments and promote a healthy, positive body image.”
Experts Available: Eating Recovery Center’s team of nationally recognized eating disorders experts are available for interviews to supplement your Fat Talk Free Week stories. Contact Shannon Fern at (303) 433-7020 or sfern@csg-pr.com to arrange an interview.
Posted in In the News, Meetings/Events, Press Releases •
Dr. Jennifer McBride Transitions to Full-Time Internal Medicine Role at Eating Recovery Center
Internist with background in eating disorders treatment brings valuable skill set to Center’s comprehensive programs
Eating Recovery Center (www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com), a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia, today announced that Jennifer McBride, MD, has been promoted from a part-time role to serve as a full-time internist for patients ages 10 through adult. Although Dr. McBride will provide medical care to patients at all levels of care, her new role also supports the expansion of the Center’s adult Inpatient and Residential programs from 24 to 29 beds. The Center recently added the five beds due to an increased need for inpatient eating disorders treatment.
“Dr. McBride’s specialized eating disorders treatment expertise is a tremendous asset as she works to restore health among Eating Recovery Center’s medically compromised patients,” said Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, chief executive officer, chief medical officer and founding partner of Eating Recovery Center. “Her transition into a full-time role enables us to continue to provide comprehensive care to the growing population of individuals who struggle with these serious diseases.”
Dr. McBride, who is Board-certified in internal medicine, has more than seven years of experience as an internist at Exempla Denver Medical Associates in Denver, Colo. She has provided part-time care and internal medicine expertise to patients at Eating Recovery Center since it opened its doors in 2008.
In addition to supporting Eating Recovery Center’s inpatient and residential eating disorders patients, Dr. McBride will be an available resource for patients in the Center’s Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient eating disorders treatment programs, as well as patients at the Center’s Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents.
“Eating disorders are complicated diseases with serious medical implications. By working with internists who are familiar with the complications of these illnesses, our patients can seamlessly transition to lower levels of care,” said Dr. McBride. “Similarly, those patients who have discharged from Eating Recovery Center’s treatment programs can rest assured that their ongoing outpatient medical needs are met by a team with strong expertise in eating disorders care.”
Dr. McBride earned her master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with a major in communications disorders and audiology. She completed her doctorate in medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2001 and her residency at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital.
Posted in General, Press Releases, Treatment Options •
Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program Expands Treatment Options Through Partnership with Eating Recovery Center
Partnership formalizes a longstanding collaborative relationship between the two eating disorders treatment centers
Eating Recovery Center, a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia, today announced that it has partnered with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program. Summit is a nationally recognized center for eating disorders treatment and prevention located in Sacramento, Cali.
This partnership allows Summit to expand its partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment options. It also underscores Eating Recovery Center’s ongoing commitment to providing and supporting access to expert eating disorders recovery services.
“We have come to regard Summit as a highly reputable eating disorders treatment center in the Northern California area,” said Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS, chief clinical officer of Eating Recovery Center. “We see tremendous value in not only the Summit team’s clinical approach, but also its community awareness and prevention programming.”
Founded in 2000, Summit is the only medically supervised treatment program in the Sacramento area serving adolescents and adults with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. The treatment center is led by founding partners, Tony Paulson, PhD, executive director, Lisa Peterson, PhD, clinical director, and Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, chief admissions officer.
“Partnering with Eating Recovery Center allows Summit to enhance and further develop our partial hospitalization and outpatient programming by incorporating clinical models developed by the Center’s leadership team,” said Dr. Paulson. “Additionally, the Center’s intensive inpatient and residential programs are valuable resources for Summit’s adult and adolescent patients requiring a higher level of care. We believe this continuity of care is critical in supporting lasting eating disorders recovery.”
Summit’s eating disorders treatment programs offer:
• Comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care.
• A philosophy rooted in evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Based Treatment.
• Treatments for co-morbid psychological issues, including: anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
• Individualized treatment plans.
• Collaboration with community partners.
“Summit provides highly effective outpatient care to eating disordered patients and is a trusted treatment resource for the community of referring professionals,” said Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, founding partner, chief medical officer and chief executive officer of Eating Recovery Center. “This partnership facilitates expanded reach for the clinical models that have proven highly successful in treating patients at Eating Recovery Center.”
For more information about Eating Recovery Center, visit www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com. To learn more about Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program, visit www.sedop.org.
Posted in About Us, General, Press Releases, Treatment Options •
Eating Recovery Center Launches Alumni Program to Promote Lasting Recovery
Leading Eating Disorders Treatment Center Aims to Reduce Relapse and Foster Supportive Recovery Environment for Patients
Studies have shown that anywhere from one-third to 40 percent of individuals treated for anorexia or bulimia will relapse. Eating Recovery Center, a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia, aims to reduce this statistic. Recognizing that eating disorders are difficult to overcome alone, the treatment center has launched an alumni-focused program aimed at preventing relapse and fostering a supportive recovery environment for its patients.
“Patients leaving treatment consistently identify that the peer and treatment team support they had during their treatment program was a key element in their recovery process,” said Enola Gorham, LCSW, CEDS, clinical director of adult services at Eating Recovery Center. “Alumni programs provide the recovering eating disordered patient with an opportunity to reconnect with a recovery-focused community, benefit from the support of peers and refocus on the elements of recovery.”
The alumni program kicked off July 10 and 11 with a retreat attended by Eating Recovery Center alumni. The event, which focused on helping the former patients renew their individual commitments to anorexia or bulimia recovery, featured an interactive program led by Eating Recovery Center’s clinical leadership team. Therapeutic movement, art sessions and group activities offered opportunities for alumni to recharge their recovery and reconnect with fellow Eating Recovery Center peers and staff.
“When in treatment at Eating Recovery Center, all patients are introduced to the ‘it takes a village’ concept of recovery,” explained Gorham. “In this model, the person who is working to change behaviors needs honest feedback and support from people whom the patient knows have his or her best interest at heart. Upon leaving the treatment environment, patients can have a very hard time recreating a ‘village’ of support and care for themselves.”
In order to build a village of support, promote eating disorders recovery and reduce chances of relapse, Gorham recommends that recovering individuals follow these three tips:
1. Build a strong support environment, which includes a knowledgeable treatment team.
2. Prioritize recovery. Individuals leaving treatment are new to recovery and must put a lot of time, effort and energy into recovery. Gorham recommends that individuals in recovery simplify their lives as much as possible, and measure all commitments and activities against the standard of “will this help me keep my health and recovery?”
3. Trust your treatment team and follow their advice.
Eating Recovery Center is planning additional tools and activities to help alumni maintain recovery mindsets. The Center is currently developing a website resource to offer continued support to alumni. Additional program elements under consideration include eating disorders support groups, social media, regional and local events and an alumni-focused e-newsletter.
For more information about Eating Recovery Center’s alumni-focused program, please visit EatingRecoveryCenter.com.
Posted in About Us, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, General, Press Releases •
Emerging Trends, Sage Best Practices among Topics Highlighted at Eating Recovery Center’s 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference
Registration Now Open for Educational Event Showcasing Innovative Eating Disorders Treatment Strategies; Early Registration Rates Expire July 1, 2011
New trends and trusted best practices in eating disorders treatment are among the key topics that will be presented by a lineup of nationally recognized experts at the 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference, held August 19-20, 2011, in Denver, Colo. Registration is now open for this year’s conference, which is hosted by Eating Recovery Center (EatingRecoveryCenter.com), a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia.
“The annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference offers our colleagues from across the nation an opportunity to connect with and learn from multidisciplinary experts,” said Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, chief medical officer, chief executive officer and founding partner of Eating Recovery Center. “Taken together, the event’s compelling program, Denver’s temperate August climate and Colorado’s numerous summertime activities represent an ideal fusion of professional development and leisure.”
Limited registration and an interactive educational program featuring plenary speakers, panel discussions and Q&A sessions support connection and collaboration among attending physicians, therapists, nurses, dietitians, advocacy organizations and other members of the eating disorders treatment community. Highlights of the 2011 program include:
• Challenges of Treating Seriously Ill Eating Disordered Patients, Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, and Philip Mehler, MD, FACEP, CEDS
• Panel Discussion: Nutritional Intervention of Eating Disorders Across the Continuum of Care, Ralph Carson, PhD, RD, LD, Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CDN, CEDRD, and Ginger Hartman, RD
• New Trends in the Field of Eating Disorders Treatment, Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS
• Q&A Session: The Use of Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the Treatment of Eating Disorders, Enola Gorham, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, and Q&A with Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS
• Q&A Session: Enhanced Family Based Treatment (FBT) in Inpatient Treatment for Children and Adolescents, Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, and Q&A with Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, CEDS
• Panel Discussion: Outpatient Treatment Interventions, Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, Susan McClanahan, PhD, Julie O’Toole, MD, MPH, and Kay Watt, LPC
• Tricks of the Trade: Things We’ve Learned Along the Way, Carolyn Costin, MA, Med, MFT, CEDS, and Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS
• Trait Management: Tailoring Treatment to Patient Characteristics, Emmet R. Bishop, Jr., MD, FAED, CEDS
• Readiness for Change in the Treatment of Eating Disorders, Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, CEDS
The 2011 Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference will be held at the Denver Marriott City Center. Prior to July 1, 2011, registration for professionals is $125 and includes all sessions, 12.5 continuing education credits, brunch and dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and periodic refreshment breaks. Single-day registration is $75. Student-discounted registration is $100 and $50 for single-day attendance. Space is limited and registration prior to the event is recommended. Register instantly online at EatingRecoveryCenter.com or by mail after completing the registration form.
Posted in About Us, General, Meetings/Events, Press Releases, Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference •
Increased Demand for Eating Disorders Care Drives Eating Recovery Center to Expand
Leading Center for Eating Disorders Recovery Relocates Partial Hospitalization Program to Dedicated Facility, Nearly Doubles Program’s Treatment Capacity
In response to increasing demand for eating disorders care, Eating Recovery Center, a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia, has expanded its treatment capacity. The Center has relocated its Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an 11.5-hour-per-day, non-residential eating disorder program, from its adult behavioral hospital to a new 16,000-square foot facility in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood. The new dedicated facility nearly doubles the PHP’s current treatment capacity.
“This expansion enables us to provide much-needed treatment to more individuals and families who struggle with these devastating diseases,” said Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, chief executive officer, chief medical officer and founding partner of Eating Recovery Center. “Though the program has expanded, the PHP’s high patient to therapist ratio and small group structure ensure that each patient has a highly individualized treatment experience.”
The PHP, now open at 8190 E. 1st Avenue, is designed to help men and women ages 18 and older practice recovery skills they can translate into their post-treatment lives. The program can operate as either a step-down from Inpatient and Residential eating disorders programs or a step up for Outpatient Program participants who need more structure and support. Eating Recovery Center’s PHP accepts patients moving within its own treatment continuum, entering treatment for the first time or transitioning from other eating disorders programs.
While many partial hospitalization programs are comprised of six to eight hours of programming offered five to seven days per week, Eating Recovery Center’s PHP provides 11.5 hours of treatment seven days per week. The nearly full day of programming supports patients through all meals and snacks and offers ample structure to help patients interrupt eating disorders behaviors and restore weight. Patients have the opportunity to practice recovery at night, spending evenings at home or in peer-supported apartment communities provided by Eating Recovery Center.
Unique among PHPs, Eating Recovery Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program is designed by nationally recognized eating disorders experts, supervised by two full-time, onsite psychiatrists, and medically supported by a full-time, onsite nurse. Primary therapists, family therapists, dietitians and internists provide ongoing individualized care.
“The PHP’s integrated treatment philosophy combines medical, psychiatric, nutritional and psychological elements to give patients and families the tools to achieve lasting behavioral change,” said Bonnie Brennan, MA, LPC, NCC, clinical director of Eating Recovery Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program. “This level of treatment is a critical stage in the eating disorders treatment continuum because it helps patients practice their recovery skills and test their abilities in a supported environment.”
Experiential therapies, such as grocery store and restaurant outings, help patients overcome anxieties and develop skills they can translate to their post-treatment lives. Patients learn cooking, portioning and serving food in Eating Recovery Center’s teaching kitchen. Daily meals and snacks, prepared by onsite professional chefs, provide patients with an opportunity to practice making healthy choices in a supported environment. Skills groups and individual therapy help patients process experiences and build a recovery mindset.
The only privately owned eating disorders treatment center providing all levels of care for adults, adolescents and children struggling with eating disorders, Eating Recovery Center also operates a behavioral hospital for adults, a behavioral hospital treating children and adolescents ages 10 through 17 and an outpatient services office.
For more information about eating disorders programs or to learn about Eating Recovery Center’s clinical assessment and admissions process, visit EatingRecoveryCenter.com.
Posted in About Us, General, Press Releases, Treatment Options •
One in 10 U.S. Teens Use Unhealthy Behaviors to Lose Weight
As Swimsuit Season Turns Focus to Body Image, Eating Recovery Center Offers Parents Recommendations to Address Increased Risk of Eating Disorders in Teenagers
Nearly 11 percent of 9th to 12th grade students in the U.S. have gone without eating for 24 hours or more; 5 percent have taken diet pills, powders or liquids; and 4 percent have vomited or taken laxatives – all to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight – according to 2009 data from the Centers for Disease Control. Eating Recovery Center (EatingRecoveryCenter.com), a national center for eating disorders recovery, warns that these behaviors can lead to medical complications, nutritional deficiencies and, potentially, a full-fledged eating disorder.
“Oftentimes, once teens begin to experiment with these behaviors, it can be difficult to get out of the habit of them, especially if they receive positive feedback from peers and others about the initial weight loss,” explained Ginger Hartman, R.D., registered dietitian at Eating Recovery Center’s Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents. “These types of comments can often influence the teen to continue the behaviors and/or increase the frequency of behaviors. Eventually, the teen may no longer be able to control the behaviors and may find him or herself struggling with a life-threatening eating disorder.”
With swimsuit season and teens’ accompanying focus on body image around the corner, it is vital that parents keep an eye out for behaviors that may trigger disordered eating. Hartman offers the following six recommendations for parents who notice their teens engaging in unhealthy food-related behaviors:
1. Better identify what your teen may be struggling with by learning more about eating disorders.
2. Parents should be on the alert for negative changes in attitudes or beliefs. Changes in your teen’s attitude about size or weight, dissatisfaction with his or her body and health consciousness may precede abnormal eating behaviors.
3. Discuss with your teen, in a caring, gentle and non-judgmental way, what you have noticed or observed and why it concerns you.
4. Schedule a medical check-up with a physician who has a background in working with eating disorders.
5. If behaviors persist, seek assistance from an eating disorders therapist and/or a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders.
6. Intervene early. The sooner that intervention occurs, the less likelihood there is for long-term effects or consequences from the behaviors. Earlier intervention can also increase the potential for lasting recovery.
Eating Recovery Center’s Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents provides comprehensive eating disorder treatment for children and adolescents – both girls and boys – ages 10 through 17. Focused on empowering families to become agents of change in their children’s recovery, the program is led by a nationally recognized expert in child and adolescent eating disorders, Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, CEDS.
Learn more about treatment for eating disorders in teenagers and children.
About Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center is a national center for eating disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Denver-based facilities include a licensed behavioral hospital treating adults, an outpatient office and a licensed behavioral hospital treating children and adolescents. Under the personal guidance and care of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, our collaborative programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults. Our integrated program offers patients from across the country a continuum of care that includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. For more information please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.
Posted in Press Releases •
