Middle-schoolers in Santa Cruz, California recently learned something shocking; those picture-perfect images they see of models in magazines are "digitally enhanced". It's one of many lessons the group of girls is learning in an after-school class focused on teaching them the truth about the media while simultaneously helping them learn to eat healthy.

"The class seeks to boost girls' self-esteem and help them to make healthier choices. In addition to learning to critically examine media images of women, girls engaged in role-playing, art, discussions and yoga. They discussed healthy food choices and learned to distinguish when they were really hungry from when they were lonely or had some other need."

The class was developed at Harvard Medical School and is being called "one of the most promising and extensively researched eating disorder prevention programs..." Read more at SantaCruzSentinel.com.

Labels: education, media_influences, self-esteem

It's called FORM, which stands for 'Freedom Ordered Renewal Meditative Movement' and is a Pilates-type therapy that some facilities are using to help treat eating disorders. It's been found to help compulsive exercisers be more moderate in their routines while the deep breathing and stretching can relieve some of the aches and pains caused by eating disorders.

"Importantly, patients learn to distract from their eating disordered thoughts and behaviors and to relate to their bodies in a brand new, affirming manner. FORM is an excellent meditative outlet that benefits patients regardless of their faith."

Patients have given excellent evaluations of the therapy, stating that they're learning not to take their bodies for granted. Patients have also reported improvements in overall mood and stress relief.

Read more online.

Labels: education, therapy, treatment

Evelin Alvarez and Kayla Claxton are juniors at Yspilanti High School near Ann Arbor, Michigan. They recently presented a paper titled "Eating Disorders and the Social Pressures that Cause Them" at a research institution called Altarum.

"'...We only surveyed junior and senior girls at Ypsi (high school)... We asked the girls questions on whether they considered themselves to be healthy, and through that, we found that they no longer know what healthy is.'"

Alvarez and Claxton will each receive a $750 scholarship award for their paper. They intend to take the information they've gathered and use it to raise awareness in their school about the dangers and treatments options of eating disorders. Read more at MLive.com.

Outdoor education programs, outdoor therapy, and brat camps can help kids with substance abuse problems and other behavioral issues. Learn more about outdoor therapy programs at Wilderness-Programs-Info.com.

Sage Walk, featured on ABC's Brat Camp, helps teens with behavior and emotional issues. Visit sagewalk.com to learn more about their brat camp program.

Labels: awareness, education, high-school_girls

Pauline Powers has spent years teaching medical students and residents at the University of South Florida about eating disorders. She's recently added a new endeavor to her educational and treatment efforts.

"Her latest effort is as director and driving force behind Hope House, a USF community project that will establish a comprehensive outpatient program for eating disorders. Based on another facility, Sheena's Place in Toronto, it will be the first of its kind in the United States."

Operations have been funded through a grant for the first three years, but the house must eventually become self-sufficient. Powers estimates that the cost of treating just one person with an eating disorder is about $100,000. Read more at SPTimes.com.

Labels: education, support, treatment