The Center for Young Women's Health, part of the Children's Hospital in Boston has created a website that includes a general guide on eating disorders aimed at teenagers. The guide breaks down the symptoms of anorexia and other disorders into easy-to-understand language and offers "next steps" for a teen who thinks she or a friend may have an eating disorder.

"If you think that you may have an eating disorder, it is very important that you talk to your health care provider immediately! If you are too nervous or scared to contact your health care provider on your own, try talking to an adult who is someone you trust like a parent, teacher, relative, or family friend."

The guide also helps teens understand how eating disorders are treated and what to expect if they or someone they knows is treated for an eating disorder. Read more at YoungWomensHealth.org

As someone dealing with an eating disorder needs treatment sooner than later, teens who are doing drugs or binge drinking also need immediate help. Unfortunately, parents often wait thinking their teen's risky behaviors will simply go away. Learn more about why you shouldn't wait to get your teen help.

Labels: awareness, health_care, support