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Q & A with Rosalind Wiseman

Each year, the last week of February marks National Eating Disorder Awareness Week across the country. This year, on Sunday February 21st, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt will kick-off a full week of events designed not only to promote awareness for the cause, but ultimately to spread education that will help prevent eating disorders before they begin. Who better to give this message than author, educator and parenting expert, Rosalind Wiseman? Wiseman is the author of the bestselling book, “Queen Bees & Wannabes”, “Owning Up” body image curriculum, and a new young adult novel, “Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Material”. In anticipation of her keynote presentation in Baltimore, we asked Rosalind Wiseman to answer some tough questions about body image concerns and weight issues among youth. This is what she had to say…

Simply stated, what are some of the most effective things parents can do to help their children develop confidence and a positive self image?

From the earliest ages you have to teach your child how to navigate Girl and Boy World - a world that will try to convince your child that they are not good enough unless they conform to a rigid belief system of how you should look and how you should act.

It’s almost impossible, as much as parents want this to be the case, to completely protect your child from the influence of these Worlds. More realistically, parents should, age-appropriately, inform their children how to withstand its insidious ability to make people feel worthless unless they buy into it. Are you teaching them - by word and deed - that you are more than your physical presentation? For example, when you’re watching TV, listening to the music your kids like, or talking about their friends and the people they gravitate towards, use it as an opportunity to help the child think critically about what they are learning in those moments. The lessons are not only about how they define “beautiful,” but about how they can be convinced that they will never physically match up - pretty enough, masculine enough - to what they’re “supposed” to be.

Another important part of this is to allow room for having the difficult but important conversations about body image -particularly when children feel rejected -instead of ignoring it or responding with common yet often ineffective responses like, “Everyone’s beautiful in their own way,” “Those people are just insecure,” or “People should see you for what you are on the inside, and if they don’t they’re not worth it.”

Instead, while of course you can tell your child that he or she is beautiful, allow the child to talk about how and why they are feeling like they’re not good enough. Sit with these uncomfortable feelings so you can get to a place where the child feels that it’s not weak to talk about it, and that everyone has to deal with these feelings of insecurity. The very process of talking with your child goes a long way toward being able to withstand the pressures of Girl World and Boy World, and toward developing healthy body image.

In Queen Bees & Wannabes, You refer to the management of weight as “The Competition No One Wins” - can you elaborate on this?

For the vast majority of kids, you feel like you never measure up, and it’s so easy to get to a place of “I’m worthless unless I fit this impossible ideal in my head.” As soon as that happens you’re on a path to low self-esteem. But the reason I say that there really are no winners in this “competition” is that everybody looks at certain people and thinks that because he/she is so beautiful they must never struggle with these issues or they must not be insecure. The reality is, in my experience, even those girls and boys feel like they’re never good enough, or they feel like they would be nothing if that façade were taken away.

Here are some recent blogs from my Website that help to illustrate this point: The Price of Success: Girls, Stress and Being Your Own Worst Enemy and Why We’ve Turned on Heidi Montag.

At what age should parents start actively addressing body image concerns with their children? Is there anything we can do when our kids are infants and toddlers to build a good foundation?

By the time kids are four and five years old, it’s not unusual for them to start making comments about their own or others’ bodies. They may say things like, “I have a big belly” or “That person is so fat.”

Now, there’s a tendency among parents to ignore this, hush it, or say it’s not true. The problem with that strategy is that children are still going to believe what they see but they just won’t have the opportunity to talk about it. So then, it’s left up to the kids on the playground to talk about it and define how to treat people based on how they look. And that’s even more harmful because it will probably be in the context of teasing, shame, or embarrassment. And so as soon as your child starts making comments or asking questions about how people look, you have to take that as an opportunity to talk about people’s differences - you can explain that just like people can have different skin colors, people also come in different sizes and that’s just the way they are.

If you’re child is making negative comments about his or her self at this age, you can respond by telling them, “You have a beautiful body. It’s healthy for kids to have a tummy and what’s more important than what you weigh or look like, is how you eat, eating nutritious food, and being physically active.” My colleague, Julia V. Taylor has written a wonderful children’s book about body image called “Perfectly You”, which I encourage you to check out.

Stay tuned for Part II of our Q & A with Rosalind Wiseman tomorrow! If you have your own questions for Rosalind you can ask them live in Baltimore following her presentation, “Positive Parenting for A Health Self Image” on February 21, 2010, 1:00 - 3:00 PM at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt. Visit our Events page for more information about this free event and how to reserve your seat! Want to find out more about Rosalind Wiseman and her publications? Visit her website at www.rosalindwiseman.com.

Breaking news from The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt!

Tune into ABC’s Good Morning America tomorrow between 7 and 9 a.m. to see The Center’s very own Dr. Harry Brandt discuss the dangers of Smartphone applications as they relate to eating disorders, disordered eating and compulsive exercise. The Center has been doing outreach about the potential risks associated with weight loss applications for the past few months, and Good Morning America is going to help the message reach thousands of people across the country. We will be sure to post a link to the interview after it airs.

Published by CED Editor
February 5th, 2010 in Celebrity Topical News
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Baltimore’s Jewish Community Braves Snow to Attend Eating Disorders Conference

“Promoting Self-Esteem & Positive Body Image: A Program for the Jewish Community”

On Sunday January 31, 2010, The Center for Eating Disorders (CED) at Sheppard Pratt, in partnership with The Orthodox Union and in collaboration with Hadassah of Greater Baltimore and Jewish Community Services, hosted an event to help shed light on the issue of eating disorders and body image concerns within the Jewish community. Sunday’s free event, which attracted nearly 200 people to The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt in Towson was the first of its kind to take place in Maryland. Key players in the event’s success include those pictured above, from left, Frank Buchweitz (National Director of OU Community Services and Special Projects), Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb (Keynote Speaker), Dr. Harry Brandt (CED Director), Catherine Steiner Adair (Plenary Speaker) and Dr. Steven Crawford (CED Associate Director).

Despite an unexpected dose of winter weather the night before, the day began as scheduled with Rabbi Dr. Weinreb, a Baltimore native, speaking to the crowd about the intersection of the Jewish faith and eating disorders. Rabbi Dr. Weinreb, pictured above during his keynote presentation, discussed the importance of nourishing one’s body and caring for it in a way that simultaneously promotes health and the Jewish culture. Following this presentation, conference attendees dispersed into five diverse morning workshops including a screening of the documentary “Hungry To Be Heard”, moderated by the film’s Executive Producer, Elisheva Diamond, M.A. (pictured below, left).

Also pictured above (right) is Catherine Steiner Adair, Ed.D. who provided the plenary address entitled, “Raising Strong and Resilient Children in Today’s Society”. During her talk, Dr. Steiner Adair discussed the progression of body image pressures throughout the twentieth century as well as the implications of society’s obsession with thinness on today’s young Jewish women. Later in the day, a panel of Jewish high school students from various Baltimore schools, discussed the real life pressures they feel to succeed academically, socially, and to fit the standard definition of beauty.

Those in attendance at the conference included religious and community leaders from Baltimore’s Jewish community, parents, young people, psychologists, social workers and other mental health providers, as well as individuals in recovery from eating disorders. After a successful event, Dr. Crawford and Dr. Brandt of the Center for Eating Disorders, along with additional CED staff (pictured above) look forward to coordinating additional follow up community events to help continue creating awareness about the need for the prevention, early identification and treatment of eating disorders within this community and others affected by eating disorders.

If you missed this event but are interested in finding out whats coming up next on the calendar, please visit our Events page and visit our Facebook page to see additional photos from this event.

Published by Kate Clemmer
February 5th, 2010 in CED Events, Editor's Picks, Body Image, Celebrity Topical News
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Risky Retail: CVS Circular Sends Dangerous Message About Laxatives

Unfortunately we are all too familiar with a constant undertone of media and societal support for the “thin ideal” and a perpetuation of the dieting culture. It’s not as often though, that we see messages from media or other advertising outlets that blatantly encourage dangerous eating disorder behaviors.

This was our experience yesterday when we were shown the most current circular sent out in print and distributed online by CVS Pharmacy. The promotional flyer included a sales section entitled “shape up & save.” Not surprisingly, in light of the New Year, and in response to an over abundance of weight-related New Year’s resolutions, CVS is apparently offering low-cost products for customers looking to “shape up.” This yearly obsession, although disheartening given prior information we’ve shared on our blog about why diets don’t work, is not what caused us to pause.

Our concern came when we saw a brand name laxative among the sale items featured in the weight loss section. By highlighting this product as part of the “shape up & save” category, CVS is inadvertently suggesting that using laxatives is an acceptable and healthy way to lose weight. This could not be further from the truth. Laxatives are not intended, nor are they effective, for weight loss and when used for these purposes can result in serious medical consequences. Laxative use and abuse is common amongst individuals suffering from eating disorders, and CVS’ placement of the product promotion sends a harmful message that this very dangerous behavior is appripriate or, even healthy. The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt would like to take this opportunity to educate retailers about inappropriate health care product marketing tactics and remind the public of the dangers associated with laxative abuse.

Steven Crawford, M.D., Associate Director of the Center for Eating Disorders, had the following to say in response to the concerning advertisement:

“The CVS ‘Shape Up & Save’ circular is a prime example of retailers sending subliminal and harmful messages to consumers. While we doubt CVS’ intention was to support, or suggest, eating disorder behaviors and tendencies, we feel that companies have an obligation to understand what their marketing practices are suggesting to their customers. Laxative abuse can lead to serious health-related problems including severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, severe constipation, chronic diarrhea, and significant edema [an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the body]. Persistent use may result in anemia, laxative dependency, and may even increase the risk of colon cancer. “

Our hope in reaching out to CVS and other retailers, is that harmful ads such as this will be removed from circulation and a dialogue can be started around responsible retail actions as they relate to eating disorder prevention, awareness and treatment. We plan to keep all of our readers updated on this important topic. Stay tuned!

If you have any thoughts about this topic, please feel free to join in the discussion on our Facebook page.

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 8th, 2010 in Celebrity Topical News
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Eating Disorders in the Jewish Community

Tackling issues often wondered about and little discussed…

Eating disorders are amongst the most serious of medical conditions with high rates of morbidity, including the highest death rate of any psychiatric illness. It is important to note that within diverse populations, the stressors that may exacerbate an eating disorder can vary greatly, as can unique cultural factors which may serve as preventive or protective factors. In recent years, more attention has been paid to these issues within the Jewish community specifically, as concerns continue to surface about increasing numbers of Jewish girls and boys struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

An increasing rate of eating disorders is certainly not unique to the Jewish population - numbers are rising across the country regardless of ethnicity, religion or race. However, the effective prevention, early identification and treatment of eating disorders within the Jewish community is dependent upon education and discussion that is socially and culturally relevant to those who are affected. For example, the centralized role of food in Jewish heritage and traditions, including celebratory feasts and fasting, as well as stressors associated with the shidduchim, or traditional Jewish matchmaking, may influence one’s relationship with food and weight.

Research around eating disorders in the Jewish community has been done but studies regarding the prevalence are somewhat conflicting. According to one study, eating disorders affect one out of every 19 girls ages 14 - 16 in the Orthodox and Syrian communities, a rate that is 50% greater than in the general population. Other studies have shown that while the incidence of eating disorders among the Jewish population may not necessarily be greater than that of the general population, Jews are often part of a demographic that would be more susceptible to eating disorders. Orthodox women were found to have similar rates of eating disorders as secular Jewish women, however Orthodox women may be less likely to seek treatment given the cultural stigma that exists around the issue. This stigma is a key reason why it has become so important to shed light on the topic of eating disorders in the Jewish community.

On January 31^st2010, the Center for Eating Disorders and the Orthodox Union will host a workshop in collaboration with Jewish Community Services and Hadassah of Greater Baltimore to address the topics identified above as well as the importance of self-esteem, body image and family communication in the Jewish community. The free community event, Promoting Self Esteem & Healthy Body Image: A Program for the Jewish Community, is intended to help people develop a better understanding of the seriousness of these illnesses and help them identify risk factors and utilize prevention techniques. This program is focused on addressing these concerns as they uniquely affect the Jewish Community and is geared toward educators, clinicians, parents, lay persons, and family members of affected individuals.

With a large Jewish population in the Baltimore area, we hope to provide the community with education about prevention strategies, risk factors for early identification, and the effective treatment of individuals with eating disorders. This workshop will include a plenary session from Catherine Steiner Adair, Ed.D,Director of Education and Preventions at the Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MD. Dr. Steiner Adair is a leader in the field of eating disorder treatment and the author of Full of Ourselves: A Wellness Program to Advance Girl Power, Health, and Leadership. She has also published a supplement to this guidebook, titled Bishvilli- For Me, specifically to assist those in the Jewish Community to utilize these activities in a way that compliment their lifestyle.

The program’s keynote address will be presented by Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President, Emeritus of the Orthodox Union. He will be focusing on the issues of self esteem and eating disorders as they affect those in the Orthodox Jewish Community. Eight other workshops will be facilitated by eating disorder professionals and mental health providers who have an understanding of the concerns of the Jewish Community. For a full listing of presenters and workshop titles, download the Event Program. Those who attend the program will have an opportunity to learn about and discuss the following subjects:

Recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders
Identify early warning signs and risk factors of eating disorders
Become aware of the effects of eating disorders and related issues in the Jewish community
Understand how modern therapeutic techniques can be applied while maintaining respect for traditional Jewish culture and values
Utilize Jewish tradition, culture, spirituality, and rituals as resources for health and protective factors against the development of negative body image and eating disorders

Attendance at this event is free but pre-registration is required. Please call 410-938-3157 or email rsvp@sheppardpratt.org to reserve your seat. Download the FINAL PROGRAM BROCHURE for complete details and share the promotional event flyer with others who may be interested in attending.

photo courtesy of jewishharlem.com

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 7th, 2010 in In the News, CED Events, Editor's Picks, Body Image
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Why Diets Don’t Work

“Lose 20 pounds in less than two weeks!” “Join our program and never be hungry again!” These types of advertisements are all too familiar in today’s culture. With society’s strong emphasis on being thin, it’s no wonder that lofty claims from diet programs, plans and pills have such strong appeal. But do they really work? It depends on what you mean by “work”. If you ask in terms of whether they work to make money and profits for the diet industry - well, then the answer is yes. In fact, the diet industry generates over $40 billion dollars for itself each year but not because their products work, because they don’t. Consider how many people you know who have dieted once and never dieted again? Most likely, none.

There is resounding evidence that says diets don’t work. Dieting is typically temporary - a means to an end - and therefore not a healthful long term approach to improving health, managing weight or sustaining a balanced relationship with food. The restriction encouraged by diets can lead to extreme hunger, deprivation, overeating, loss of the body’s natural hunger and fullness cues, and weight gain. In fact, the irony of diets is that the cycle of yo-yo dieting and chronic weight fluctuations can result in health problems and weight re-gain, potentially above one’s pre-diet weight. For the diet industry this ensures that they keep making money, because customers go back time and time again. Research shows:

95-98% of dieters regain their lost weight within 1-5 years
Over half of them end up gaining back more than they lost
Moderate dieters are 5x more likely to develop eating disorders than those who don’t diet. Severe dieters are 18x more likely to develop an eating disorder.

Beyond the physical effects, diets don’t address underlying issues, such as our relationship with food, and, in many ways, diets increase stress in an already stressful relationship with eating and food. Diets also place value judgments on specific foods (or entire food groups!) and create various food rules which can quickly become obsessions or lead to eating disorders. These rules and thoughts can also exacerbate concerns about body image and size acceptance. Furthermore, when a diet doesn’t “work”, individuals tend to blame themselves and feel as though they failed - this can lead to depression and lower self-esteem.

Unfortunately, dieting is not only accepted in our culture, it has become a pervasive social norm - almost a rite of passage that we are expected to take part in. In fact, a recent study in London, found that dieting behavior in mothers can negatively impact their daughter’s own body image and increases the daughter’s chances of developing an eating disorder. Moving beyond a dieting mentality takes practice, and often professional guidance. Learning benefits of a diet free lifestyle can improve one’s relationship with food, enhance acceptance of body shape and weight, and provide healthier thought patterns. These types of changes are much more likely to be sustainable and long term, therefore providing a balanced and healthy lifestyle, instead of a temporary non-solution.

At The Center for Eating Disorders, we have a full staff of licensed dietitians who work with patients to restore balance and health to their meals. Meeting with a dietitian can be a helpful and effective way to learn accurate information about food and begin to move away from the dieting mentality. If you have questions about treatment for an eating disorder, including nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian, please call (410) 938-5252.

Written and contributed by Samantha Lewandowski, MS, RD, LDN
Nutritional Care Coordinator of Outpatient Services, CED

photo courtesy of: www.nedic.ca

Published by Kate Clemmer
December 30th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Parties and Presents and Resolutions, Oh My!

The end of a calendar year brings with it endless conversations of new year’s resolutions. Setting these notoriously lofty goals is often an attempt to pull oneself out of the seasonal funk that can settle in with shorter days, colder weather and a barrage of holiday stressors. When people make resolutions, it is often with the intent to completely overhaul their life. They look to make a sweeping change that will fix all that is wrong, and get them back on the “right track”. Unfortunately, this particular type of goal setting usually backfires - as evidenced by the fact that most people end up making the same exact resolutions year after year.

New year’s resolutions also send a message that today doesn’t count - it gives us permission to stay unhappy or unhealthy ”just a little bit longer” until January 1st rolls around. This could mean different things for different people depending on whether you are working towards recovery from an eating disorder, still struggle with chronic yo-yo dieting or are trying to quit smoking. So, how do you pull yourself out of the winter blues without jumping on the resolution bandwagon? Here are a few ideas to get you started…

1. Don’t wait. Start making small adjustments today that have nothing to do with food, eating, or your weight. Creating small but positive disruptions in your daily routine can help you stay grounded and may even help to break a cycle of negative thoughts or eating disorder symptoms that are associated with certain places or a time of day.

Try taking a different route to work or school. This small change could open up new possibilities, even if its just observing the new scenery or discovering a park along the way that you never knew existed! Who knows, you may even find out that your new detour involves less traffic or fewer lights.
Do some interior designing. Consider rearranging some furniture or updating a picture wall inside your house or apartment. Visible changes such as these can offer a sense of renewal without the obligation or pressure.
These are just a few examples…you can come up with your own ideas for “minor adjustments” and share them on our Facebook page.

2. Setting goals is a great thing but not if the goal is unrealistic, unhealthy, too vague, or involves intense pressure to succeed. All of these charactersistics can make it very difficult to follow through with a resolution. Instead, focus on taking small, concrete steps forward in the direction of balanced living.

If you tend to make resolutions that are unrealistic and unhealthy…“I have to get myself to the gym. I’m going to purchase a membership and force myself to go everyday, no matter what.”
- Try this instead: “I will commit to going to one or two community yoga classes by the end of the month and work on developing a positive and supportive relationship with my body.”
If you tend to make resolutions that are vague and counterproductive… “I need to lose weight by the summer so I’m really going to stick to my diet this year!”
- Try this instead: “I give myself permission to stop dieting and to trust my body. If I need the help of a professional nutritionist to do this, I will seek one out.”
If you tend to make resolutions that leave no room for error and put a lot of pressure on you to succeed…“As of January 1st, I am never going to act on my eating disorder symptoms again.”
- Try this instead: “Before the week is over, I will call and schedule an appointment to begin seeing a therapist.” This is an example of a small but very meaningful task that can result in long-term change. If you already see a therapist, consider this instead: “In the next week, I will use at least one new support or coping skill that I’ve never tried before.” Examples include: attending a support group, journaling, or enrolling in art therapy.

3. Now that you’ve resolved NOT to make a resolution, how are you going to cope with everybody else who feels inclined to talk about resolutions, weight loss and diets all of the time?

Be the bearer of accurate news. When your friends start discussing the new diet they will begin on January 1st, inform them about why diets don’t work. If you’re not sure why, stay tuned for our upcoming blog that will convince you once and for all that dieting is NOT the way to go.
Try out the “shock and awe” technique. As others start to bemoan their hips and curse their thighs while resolving to change their bodies in the new year, employ the element of surprise - say something NICE about yourself and your body. Body bashing has become such an accepted form of conversation (especially around the holidays) that when someone (You!) is able to reflect positively on their own body, people are seriously caught off guard and may think twice about their own statements. Try one of the comments below or come up with a few of your own!
- “I am so grateful for all of the things my body allows me to accomplish.”
- “I’m much more concerned about feeling strong and healthy than I am about fitting into a particular size.”
- Even if you are not at a point in your life, or in recovery, where you actually believe these statements, say them anyway! Saying them out loud helps move you in the right direction toward real change. You will not only have helped yourself, but you will steer the conversation away from a negative place and become a role model for positive body image. This is particularly important if children and adolescents are within earshot of the conversation.

Here’s to a happy and balanced end of 2009 and continued hopefulness in 2010!

If you have any questions about eating disorders, please call our admissions coordinators at (410) 938-5252 to speak confidentially about your concerns and treatment options. Additionally, you can visit our website at www.eatingdisorder.org for more information, including an interactive on-line quiz that can help determine whether you, or someone you care about, might have an eating disorder that requires professional treatment.

Photo courtesy of grandhoteloceancity.com

Published by Kate Clemmer
December 22nd, 2009 in In the News, Nutrition, Editor's Picks, Body Image, Celebrity Topical News
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Time for BODY POLICY in the UK?

”Media images that depict ultra-thin, digitally altered women models are linked to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating in girls and women, and there is also recent evidence of the detrimental effects of unrealistically sized dolls and toys which present role models to children… as well as the impact of muscular media models on boys and men.” - excerpted from, The Impact of Media Images on Body Image and Behaviours: A Summary of the Scientific Evidence

While research has repeatedly shown the negative impact of media images on the perception of our own bodies, to date, little has been done to counteract these falsified images. In a move that is the first of its kind, the United Kingdom’s Liberal Democrat party is attempting to regulate these harmful marketing tactics with newly proposed public policies. Recently, they requested a compilation of scientific research to indicate whether or not people were really negatively impacted by looking at airbrushed-to-perfection pictures in the media. In response to the request, scholars and researchers from around the world came together and created a consensus on how idealized images in the media impact the way individuals feel about their bodies and how those feelings translate into behaviors.

The international group of scientists and researchers provided an overwhelming amount of data supporting the relationship between exposure to idealized images and increased body image dissatisfaction. Their final report, The Impact of Media Images on Body Image and Behaviours: A Summary of the Scientific Evidence, discusses the effects of media images and outlines five proposed policies that could help to empower and protect individuals from the cultural obsession with thinness and perfection. The research clearly shows that looking at images which have been unrealistically and excessively airbrushed can lead to poor personal body image and low self-esteem, both of which can lead to many physical and mental health problems. Most notably, these problems include disordered eating and eating disorders, anxiety and depression, and even sexual dissatisfaction. Using data from over 100 studies, researchers linked idealized media images to the increasing numbers of people with negative or distorted body image. In their paper, they concluded that, while these images do not have a universal impact, they do have a negative effect on the majority of those who see them.

The effects of media exposure begin very early in life and have been documented in girls as young as five and a half years old. Furthermore, the images were found to have the greatest impact on some of the most vulnerable populations, including 1) adolescents, 2) those who are of a different body weight or shape than the ones being depicted, and 3) those who have internalized the cultural body ideals presented for men and women. The research goes on to suggest that the images have an “immediate and cumulative impact”, meaning that a negative self-evaluation occurs immediately following the viewing of such images, and with continued and repeated exposure, self-evaluation continues to decline and/or be distorted. The paper points out that, although most people are aware that images they see have been retouched, many do NOT know just how extensive the airbrushing and “revisions” actually are.

The collection of this information led the research team to the question, what will be effective in changing these negative outcomes? While media literacy education has been shown to have a beneficial impact, the real long-term solution is the changing of the images themselves. The researchers recommend that, instead of using distorted, caricatured versions of people, that real people and real images be used. In addition, they developed these five policies to target the areas in most desperate need of change.

Policy 1. No digitally altered models in advertising aimed at under 16s
Policy 2. Clear labeling of digitally altered models in all other advertising.
Policy 3. Models used in Fashion Weeks to have a health certificate from an eating disorder specialist, in order to protect their health and well-being.
Policy 4. Encouragement for use of diverse and healthy body sizes in all media models.
Policy 5. Media literary programmes about ‘perfected’ models as part of school curricula to encourage critical awareness and resilience in children and adolescents.

The hope is, that by including pictures of real people and identifying when digital retouching is used, everyone can become more informed, and therefore, more realistic in their assessment of media images. While there is much debate about whether or not these policies will actually have an impact on body image and eating behavior, it is important to note that the relationship between policy and individual change is cyclical. As more individuals become aware of a problem, there is a greater push for policy change, and as more policies are implemented, they impact even more people, leading to greater awareness and more effective, long-term change. If approved in the United Kingdom, these changes could positively impact an entire generation of girls, boys, men and women and, perhaps, the United States will consider following suit.

On the home front, Darryl Roberts, Director of the documentary “America The Beautiful”, is spearheading a drive to challenge advertisers and media in a different way. He is currently leading a campaign to boycott Ralph Lauren until the company apologizes for it’s photoshopped ads and makes a personal commitment, (without being mandated by law), to stop using such drastic levels of photo manipulation to sell products. If you support this idea, you can join the campaign by becoming a fan of the ATB Action Network on Facebook.

photo courtesy of www.photos.igougo.com

Published by Kate Clemmer
December 11th, 2009 in In the News, Editor's Picks, Body Image, Celebrity Topical News
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Tips for Overcoming Holiday Stress & Anxiety - Part II: The Stress

Thanksgiving, a holiday of gratitude and hopefulness, can also come with a large dose of frustration, worry and woes. In an attempt to make this Thanksgiving a positive one, especially for those who are also struggling with an eating disorder, we’ve offered some ideas for overcoming and embracing the holiday season. Yesterday, we posted Part I: The Food, the first in a holiday blog series that addresses unique challenges associated with eating and socializing during the holidays. Today, Part II in the series offers even more constructive ideas and concrete steps you can take to make your Thanksgiving a success, while still prioritizing your recovery.

Part II: When it comes to the STRESS…

If the place where you are staying is particularly stressful or triggering, carving out time for yourself is a necessity. Try finding a quiet room to be alone for several minutes in order to clear your head and re-energize yourself for encounters with others around you. Taking five minutes out to breathe and re-center can make a big difference in your ability to maintain your composure and keep you focused on your goals of having a healthy and positive holiday experience. If you’re worried that you will seem rude if you leave or have a hard time finding the time to be alone, consider offering to pick up or drop off elderly family members who can’t drive themselves.

Depending on your preference, try to let those around you know what is helpful and what isn’t. The holidays are an important time to practice being assertive.
Reach out - we all know one or two people who can’t travel to their own family’s Thanksgiving event or just don’t have a place to go for the holiday - invite them along to share in your festivities.
- Bonus - An extra support person for you before, during and after the meal!
Focus on the kids! Get the younger generation involved in your support plan. Round up the youngest family members for a post-dinner game of Pictionary or puzzles. Often, kids can be the most positive and least triggering family members.
In the event that someone makes a triggering food/body comment to you, have a plan for ways to quickly shift attention away from you in a positive way…respond strategically to the comment and then ask your cousin how her new job is going, or mention that your parents should tell everyone about their recent vacation.
Just because it is a holiday doesn’t mean you have to clear your social calendar - think about making plans with a friend to see a movie right after your holiday gathering so you can have something to look forward to regardless of how well your Thanksgiving meal goes.
The same goes for your pre-meal schedule. Sitting around, smelling food and just waiting for the meal to be ready can be a very triggering or anxiety-provoking time. Consider offering to run a last minute errand or employ yourself as the family photographer! Make it your goal to snap some great pictures of your family members arriving and socializing together.
- Bonus - The resulting photos could make great gifts when the next holiday rolls around!

Although the holidays can be difficult, try to place them in perspective and remember that no single day determines your worth, value, or potential as a person. Regardless of what you hear from others, keep in mind that this is a season of hope and thanks-giving, so try to focus less on the stressors and more on the ability that you have to give thanks and receive joy this holiday season.

Find even more holiday coping skills by reading last year’s blog, Thanksgiving with an Eating Disorder: 10 Tips to Help You Get Through the Holiday.

photo courtesy of bhg.com/holidays

Published by Kate Clemmer
November 24th, 2009 in In the News, CED Events, Nutrition, Editor's Picks
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Tips for Overcoming Holiday Stress and Anxiety - Part I: The Food

As Thanksgiving arrives and the holiday season officially begins, figuring out how to navigate social situations, particularly those involving high levels of stress, is necessary to maintaining a positive, healthy outlook. One of the most difficult areas to manage is the social eating aspect of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, a day almost entirely devoted to food in some households, can be especially stressful for people who struggle with eating on a daily basis such as those with eating disorders or anyone with disordered eating behaviors. With that in mind, we came up with some tips to help you make this Thanksgiving a positive one.

One of the most helpful things that you can do for yourself is to plan ahead. Having a solid plan in place can prevent foreseeable things from becoming a bigger issue than they need to be. Your plan should be specific to your own needs depending on your individual triggers and whether you are hosting an event, traveling to see family or celebrating in a non-traditional way, but here are a few helpful hints and ideas that can help everyone enjoy the holiday…

Part I: When it comes to the FOOD:

Skipping breakfast is never a good idea for anyone. Starting the morning with a solid meal will help provide you with clarity of mind and a better awareness of your body’s hunger and satiety cues throughout the day.
It is helpful to maintain structure with regard to your meals particularly if you will be having your meals away from your home environment. If you are staying with others, letting them know that you will be eating three regular meals and a snack allows them to plan accordingly and can provide you with some helpful accountability. That being said, remember that eating “treats” and “extras” is a normal and healthy part of the holidays so be sure that your plan includes flexibility in this area.
Depending on when your holiday meal is scheduled, you may also want to be flexible with the timing of your snack. For example, if there is a larger period of time between breakfast and lunch, eating your snack midway between that time will help keep your body and your mind nourished and balanced.
Remember that there are no “good” or “bad” foods, even at a holiday meal, but be prepared for others to make comments about food, weight gain/loss and diets during holiday gatherings. Decide how you will respond if this happens. A range of responses could include a silent mantra that you say to yourself in your head or a public comment that educates others about normal eating and positive body image. Ask yourself which type of response will be most benefical for your own personal well-being and use that as a guide.
When its time for the meal, try to sit near people with whom you feel comfortable and supported. If this isn’t possible, try to avoid sitting directly by those who will make the meal more challenging.

*Are you hosting? Use crafty name cards to subtly “announce” seating arrangements that place your positive support people near you and your most triggering family members further away during the meal.

To get more information on portion sizes and how to have a balanced holiday meal, take a look at Nutrition Tips for a Healthy and Happy Holiday!

Check back tomorrow for “Part II: When it comes to the STRESS”

photo courtesy of bhg.com/holidays

Published by Kate Clemmer
November 23rd, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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