Showing posts with label Body Image. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Body Image. Show all posts

Thursday, February 25, 2021

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week - Resources and Support


National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week) is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families. 


It’s time we take eating disorders seriously as public health concerns. It’s time we bust the myths and get the facts. It’s time to celebrate recovery and the heroes who make it possible. It’s time to take action and fight for change. It’s time to shatter the stigma and increase access to care. It’s Time to Talk About It!

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life.

“Eating disorders can hide in plain sight and frequently go undiagnosed until someone’s health is at significant risk. These are life-threatening bio-psycho-social illnesses, not a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s time to get beyond the stigma and stereotypes and recognize the diverse experiences of people affected by disordered eating," said Claire Mysko, interim CEO of NEDA. "Early intervention is a critical first step toward ending this epidemic, and everyone who is struggling deserves to be able to access help without delay to provide them the best chance possible of full recovery."

Get involved today!


Mission 
“The aim of NEDAwareness Week is to increase outreach and awareness of eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment resources. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses - not choices - and it's important to recognize the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors that shape the disorder.”

NEDAwareness Week is committed to raising awareness of eating disorders. The goal of outreach efforts leads to a greater chance of people seeking out resources and help for an eating disorder - which saves lives.

How You Can Help

NEDA provides resources to help raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders. Visit the NEDAwareness Week website for numerous ways to get involved.

Tweet About It

§ Eating disorders aren’t just about food- they can also be about stress, depression & perfectionism, but there is hope and help. myneda.org

§ You are not alone. #NEDAwareness

§ Skipping meals, hating your body & obsessing about food are signs of disordered eating, call 800-931-2237 to talk about it

§ Do constant thoughts about food & exercise interfere w/ your life? It could be an eating disorder. Call 800-931-2237 to talk about it

§ 35% of dieters develop disordered eating. If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, call 800-931-2237 to get help

§ Not ready to talk about it? Chat about it with NEDA Click to Chat option. Visit Find Help @myneda.org

§ Eating Disorders don’t discriminate, they affect all ages, sexes, ethnicities, races, and every socio-economic status- You are not alone.

§ Early intervention for an eating disorder could save your life. Don’t wait to get help- find out more @myneda.org or call 800-931-2237

§ For #NEDAwareness cultivate body appreciation! What has your body done for you lately? Take a moment to say thanks

Facebook Posts

§ People don’t choose to get an eating disorder, but you can choose to get help. Recovery is possible. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call 1-800-931-2237 to find help and information.

§ Not ready to talk about it? Try NEDA’s new Click to Chat feature. Visit the Find Help & Support section on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to let someone know what you are feeling.

§ Constantly thinking about calories, exercise and weight are signs of disordered eating. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one call 1-800-931-2237 or visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

§ It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder are serious mental illnesses but recovery is possible. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information or to find an event near you!

§ Everybody Knows Somebody affected by an eating disorder- whether it’s a friend, partner, family member or you’ve suffered. If you’re worried about an eating disorder, talk to someone you care about or call 1-800-931-2237 for help and information. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to learn how to help a friend.

§ Did you know over half of the people diagnosed with an eating disorder have an “eating disorder not otherwise specified” (ENDOS)? This means most people struggling don’t exactly fit into the categories of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa but may still have some symptoms of each, or maybe struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.

§ Weighing yourself frequently, feeling out of control with food, and feeling like you have to work-out to “burn” calories could be signs of an eating disorder. Millions of men and women struggle with disordered eating but help is available. Call 1-800-931-2237 or visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.


Eating disorders cut across socioeconomic lines and affect people at all stages of life. This talk focuses on how eating disorders are diagnosed, their prevalence, and current treatments.


Warning Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder


Resources and Support
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides education, resources, and support for those individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves to prevent, cure and access quality care. NEDA sponsors events, programs and research on eating disorders, and contains a section on its site featuring recent news articles and information.

NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators

Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). The Academy for Eating Disorders aims to provide comprehensive information on the facts of eating disorders, treatment plans, and education to prevent others from developing eating disorders.

Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness was created as a source of community outreach, education, awareness, and prevention of the various eating disorders. Their goal is to spread the message, recovery from these disorders is possible, and individuals should not have to suffer or recover alone.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Provides nutrition resources about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list.

Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. They are committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. AOA provides obesity awareness and prevention information.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.

BodyImageHealth.org introduces a model for a healthy body image and provides a variety of resources to help children and adults develop a positive body image, effective eating habits, nutritional health, fitness, and weight.

Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Inc. An activist group influencing public opinion and policy through education, information and networking.

Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA). A 12 step self-help fellowship for anorexics and bulimics. EDA offers membership to any person who needs help recovering from an eating disorder. The site has meetings around the United States, publications, recovery information, EDA news and helpful links to other sites.

Eating Disorders Coalition. The goal of Eating Disorders Coalition is to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The nonprofit organization lists the federal policy on its website, congressional briefings, events, information/resources on eating disorders and a blog.

Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of all types of disordered eating, from obesity to anorexia, and the promotion of positive body-esteem through education, outreach, and action.

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center (EDRIC) includes links to sites that provide additional information on eating disorders and related topics.

Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC) is a non-profit organization that links resources, information and support for eating disorders in Silicon Valley. The mission of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health legislation and effective insurance coverage. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory.

F.E.A.S.T. Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organization providing support to families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. The site announces events and conferences, groups around the world, treatment providers, online caregivers, and current news.

Green Mountain at Fox Run - Women’s Center for Binge & Emotional Eating:
Bingeing and emotional eating are much more common in our culture than you might think, and the symptoms are often unrecognized. Weight becomes the primary focus when it shouldn’t be. Now there’s a place created to help this growing problem, and the results are liberating.


International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) is well recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) is a nonprofit organization working to prevent and treat eating disorders. Their aim is to do this through early detection and increased public awareness. This site has events listed, resources and a place for individuals to join the organization.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders by educating the public and healthcare professionals, encouraging research, and sharing resources on all aspects of these disorders. Their website includes information on finding support groups, referrals, treatment centers, advocacy and background on eating disorders.

National Association for Males with Eating Disorders, Inc. (N.A.M.E.D.) is dedicated to offering support to and public awareness about males with eating disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders provides information on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, the effect eating disorders can have on men, treatment options and helpful resources and links.

Perfect Illusions. Discover what an eating disorder is, find help and resources, and look into the lives of several individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of anorexia and bulimia.

The Renfrew Center. Residential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders) and related mental health issues. The Renfrew Center is a women's mental health center with locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania; Coconut Creek, Florida; New York City; Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Bethesda, MD.

Womenshealth.gov The National Women's Health Information Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site has information on body image, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, and a list of links to various informational websites.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Healthy Weight Week Resources


Celebrating Healthy Weight Week by looking at Weight Bias, Body Image, Self-Esteem, Lifelong Healthy Habits, Identifying Fad Diets, and Beauty Comes in All Sizes and Shapes.


It is crucial to continue research and education. Eating disorders or disordered eating affects up to 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide.  (Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics, and Resources, October 2003)

Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. (Public Health Service's Office in Women's Health, Eating Disorder Information Sheet, 2000).

20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems. (Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics, and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003).

It is estimated currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.
(National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) 


Resources and Support


Healthy Weight Network provides information and resources pertaining to “health at any size”. Green Mountain at Fox Run, sponsor of Healthy Weight Week. Green Mountain at Fox Run is the country's first and oldest all-women's educational community for weight and health management. It is nationally recognized as an effective solution for ending struggles with eating and weight through the “non-diet” approach it pioneered.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides education, resources, and support for those individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves to prevent, cure, and access quality care. NEDA sponsors events, programs, and research on eating disorders, and contains a section on its site featuring recent news articles and information.

Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). The Academy for Eating Disorders aims to provide comprehensive information on the facts of eating disorders, treatment plans, and education to prevent others from developing eating disorders.

Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness was created as a source of community outreach, education, awareness, and prevention of various eating disorders. Their goal is to spread the message, recovery from these disorders is possible, and individuals should not have to suffer or recover alone.



Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsProvides nutrition resources about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list. 

Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. They are committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. AOA provides obesity awareness and prevention information.


Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.

Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Inc. An activist group influencing public opinion and policy through education, information, and networking.

Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA). A 12 step self-help fellowship for anorexics and bulimics. EDA offers membership to any person who needs help recovering from an eating disorder. The site has meetings around the United States, publications, recovery information, EDA news, and helpful links to other sites.

Eating Disorders Coalition.  
The goal of the Eating Disorders Coalition is to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The nonprofit organization lists the federal policy on its website, congressional briefings, events, information/resources on eating disorders, and a blog.

Eating Disorders Information Network 
(EDIN) is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of all types of disordered eating, from obesity to anorexia, and the promotion of positive body-esteem through education, outreach, and action.

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center 
(EDRIC) includes links to sites that provide additional information on eating disorders and related topics.


Eating Disorders Resource Center 
(EDRC) is a non-profit organization that links resources, information, and support for eating disorders in Silicon Valley. The mission of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health legislation and effective insurance coverage. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory.

F.E.A.S.T. 
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organization providing support to families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. The site announces events and conferences, groups around the world, treatment providers, online caregivers, and current news.

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals 
(IAEDP) is well recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professionals, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.


Kristen Watt Foundation provides support for those suffering from eating disorders. The site has sections for parents, friends, and coaches. They are dedicated to increasing awareness of eating disorders, education, and treatment.

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association 
(MEDA) is a nonprofit organization working to prevent and treat eating disorders. Their aim is to do this through early detection and increased public awareness. This site has events listed, resources, and a place for individuals to join the organization.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders by educating the public and healthcare professionals, encouraging research, and sharing resources on all aspects of these disorders. Their website includes information on finding support groups, referrals, treatment centers, advocacy, and background on eating disorders.


National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders provides information on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, the effect eating disorders can have on men, treatment options, and helpful resources and links.

Perfect Illusions. Discover what an eating disorder is, find help and resources, and look into the lives of several individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of anorexia and bulimia.


The Renfrew CenterResidential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders) and related mental health issues. The Renfrew Center is a women's mental health center with locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania; Coconut Creek, Florida; New York City; Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Bethesda, MD.

Womenshealth.gov The National Women's Health Information Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site has information on body image, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, and a list of links to various informational websites.







Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Michelle Obama, a Woman of
Beauty, Style, Health Advocate,
and a Role Model

During the month of January, we celebrate "Healthy Weight Week," which includes helping children develop a positive body image and a healthy relationship to foods. Michelle Obama is my choice as a role model for our children.
                    -Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN
                     Editor, Wellness News / Dietitians-Online

This is not a political message, nor is it paid for by any political parties. I did not even vote for Obama. This message is in response to the negative news stories that criticize Mrs. Obama's eating habits and her personal appearance. These stories are not accurate and send a dangerous message to our children.

Dangerous Messages
 


Body Image and Children

We can help children develop a positive body image and relate to foods in a healthy way. Here are some suggestions from Womenshealth.gov.

1. Make sure your children understand weight gain is a normal part of development, especially during puberty.
2. Avoid negative statements about food, weight and body size. Never tell your children they would be prettier and have more friends if they lost weight.
3. Allow your children to make decisions about food. Make sure plenty of healthy meals and snacks are available.
4. Compliment your children on their efforts, talents, accomplishments and personal values.
5. Encourage schools to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements.
6. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your children.
7. A parent is a role model, set an example by eating healthy and exercising.

Sarai Walker, the author of Building a Better Body Image states, "Include women of all ethnic and racial groups, age groups, sizes, abilities, and sexual orientations in your circle of friends. When we expose ourselves to the rich and varied experiences of all women, our narrow ideas about beauty and bodies often change.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Healthy Weight Week Resources

In celebrating Healthy Weight Week, we looked at Weight Bias, Body Image, Self-Esteem, Lifelong Healthy Habits, Identifying Fad Diets and Beauty Comes in All Sizes and Shapes.
It is crucial to continue research and education. Eating disorder or disordered eating affects up to 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide.  (Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources, October 2003)

Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. (Public Health Service's Office in Women's Health, Eating Disorder Information Sheet, 2000).

A young woman with anorexia is 12 times more likely to die than other women her age without anorexia. (Mortality in Anorexia Nervosa. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(7), 1073-1074).

Five to ten percent of people with anorexia die within ten years of onset, 18 to 20 percent die within twenty years of onset, and only 50 percent report ever being cured. Without treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, the mortality rate falls to 2 to 3%. (
American Psychiatric Association (1993), "Practice Guidelines for Eating Disorders." American Journal of Psychiatry, 150 (2), pp 212-228).

20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems.
(Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003).

It is estimated currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.
(National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)

51% of 9 and 10 year-old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet.
(Mellin LM, Irwin CE and Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53)

42% of 1st to 3rd grade girls want to be thinner.
(Collins M.E., 1991. Body figure and preferences among pre-adolescent children. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 199-208.)

81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.
(Mellin LM, Irwin CE and Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53).

91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, 22% dieted "often" or "always".
(Kurth CL, Krahn DD, Nairn K and Drewnowski A: The severity of dieting and bingeing behaviors in college women: Interview validation of survey data. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 1995; 29(3):211-25).

Resources and Support
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides education, resources and support for those individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves to prevent, cure and access quality care. NEDA sponsors events, programs and research on eating disorders, and contains a section on its site featuring recent news articles and information.

Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). The Academy for Eating Disorders aims to provide comprehensive information on the facts of eating disorders, treatment plans and education to prevent others from developing eating disorders.

Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness was created as a source of community outreach, education, awareness and prevention of the various eating disorders. Their goal is to spread the message, recovery from these disorders is possible, and individuals should not have to suffer or recover alone.


American Dietetic AssociationProvides nutrition resources about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list.

American Obesity Association (AOA). AOA is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. They are committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. AOA provides obesity awareness and prevention information.

Andrea's Voice Foundation (AVF) is dedicated to promoting education and understanding toward the prevention, identification, diagnosis and treatment of disordered eating and related issues. The site has a section for poetry, a blog, media, presentations and ways you can help.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.

BodyImageHealth.org introduces a model for a healthy body image and provides a variety of resources to help children and adults develop a positive body image, effective eating habits, nutritional health, fitness and weight.

A Chance to Heal offers body image and media literacy programs for youth, body image and eating disorder prevention workshops for those who work with youth, eating disorder prevention workshops for healthcare providers and body image workshops for adults.

Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Inc. An activist group influencing public opinion and policy through education, information and networking.

Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA). A 12 step self-help fellowship for anorexics and bulimics. EDA offers membership to any person who needs help recovering from an eating disorder. The site has meetings around the United States, publications, recovery information, EDA news and helpful links to other sites.

Eating Disorders Coalition.  The goal of Eating Disorders Coalition is to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The nonprofit organization lists the federal policy on its website, congressional briefings, events, information/resources on eating disorders and a blog.

Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of all types of disordered eating, from obesity to anorexia, and the promotion of positive body-esteem through education, outreach and action.

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center (EDRIC) includes links to sites which provide additional information on eating disorders and related topics.

Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC) is a non-profit organization that links resources, information and support for eating disorders in Silicon Valley. The mission of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health legislation and effective insurance coverage. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory.

F.E.A.S.T.  Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organization providing support to families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. The site announces events and conferences, groups around the world, treatment providers, online caregivers and current news.

Fed Up Girl is a non-profit foundation educating young girls on body image, self-esteem and balanced living to prevent eating disorders. Founded in Los Angeles by two women who recovered from years of battling eating disorders, the program is available free of charge to groups of girls age 6 to 17. The program is tailored for each age group and provides access to some of the most current research in creating positive body image and self-esteem.

Healthy Weight Network provides information and resources pertaining to “health at any size”.

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) is well recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.

Kristen Watt Foundation provides support for those suffering with eating disorders. The site has sections for parents, friends and coaches. They are dedicated to increasing awareness of eating disorders, education and treatment.

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) is a nonprofit organization working to prevent and treat eating disorders. Their aim is to do this through early detection and increased public awareness. This site has events listed, resources and a place for individuals to join the organization.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders by educating the public and healthcare professionals, encouraging research, and sharing resources on all aspects of these disorders. Their website includes information on finding support groups, referrals, treatment centers, advocacy and background on eating disorders.

National Association for Males with Eating Disorders, Inc. (N.A.M.E.D.) is dedicated to offering support to and public awareness about males with eating disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders provides information on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, the affect eating disorders can have on men, treatment options and helpful resources and links.

Perfect Illusions. Discover what an eating disorder is, find help and resources, and look into the lives of several individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of anorexia and bulimia.

The Renfrew Center. Residential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders) and related mental health issues. The Renfrew Center is a women's mental health center with locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania; Coconut Creek, Florida; New York City; Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Bethesda, MD.

Something Fishy.  The website gives detailed information on most aspects of eating disorders, such as defining them, preventing them, finding treatments and paying for recovery.

Womenshealth.gov The National Women's Health Information Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site has information on body image, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, and a list of links to various informational websites.

Books
































Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Self Esteem and Body Image

Apart of Healthy Weight Week

Fed Up Inc., helping build Self Esteem and a Positive Body Image

"Our mission is to prevent eating disorders by training students to become Junior Ambassadors who then educate peers and younger students about body image, self esteem and healthy living to create a world without diets and body bashing."  
   - Bridget Loves Livingston, founder of Fed Up Inc.


Fed up Inc is a Non-Profit group based in Los Angeles. They go inside “Hollywood” to get a close look at how media images are created.  They work with stylists, makeup artists, photographers, hairstylists, actors, singers, personalities, agents, producers, directors and people behind the scenes who create the art that is Show Business.  The goal is to help educate everyone on how media is created and encourage people to stop comparing themselves to these images.  Most importantly Fed Up is a grassroots campaign encouraging people to be their best individual selves.  
Perfect


Dangerous Messages
 


Body Image and Children

We can help children develop a positive body image and relate to foods in a healthy way. Here are some suggestions from Womenshealth.gov.

1. Make sure your children understand weight gain is a normal part of development, especially during puberty.
2. Avoid negative statements about food, weight and body size. Never tell your children they would be prettier and have more friends if they lost weight.
3. Allow your children to make decisions about food. Make sure plenty of healthy meals and snacks are available.
4. Compliment your children on their efforts, talents, accomplishments and personal values.
5. Encourage schools to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements.
6. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your children.
7. A parent is a role model, set an example by eating healthy and exercising.

Sarai Walker, the author of Building a Better Body Image states, "Include women of all ethnic and racial groups, age groups, sizes, abilities, and sexual orientations in your circle of friends. When we expose ourselves to the rich and varied experiences of all women, our narrow ideas about beauty and  bodies often change.

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