Guest Blog by Annie Fox!

Dr. Lyndsay's Guest Blog: She's Your Daughter and She Needs You by Annie Fox, M.Ed. Over the past decade research has indicated that girls are getting their periods earlier and earlier. Experts weighed in about the ramifications of the early onset of puberty. Higher risk for cancer, violent victimization and depression made the list. (Depression in girls can lead to cutting, eating disorders, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity.) Scientists explored the possible causes of this "trend". Turns out, according to the research done by biologist Sandra Steingraber, American girls' onset of menarche (getting their first period) has pretty much stayed the same for the past 35 years. That is, 12.8 years to 12.6 years. What has changed fairly dramatically is the onset of thelarche (the development of breasts). According to the studies Steingraber reviewed in her ground-breaking 1998 book Living Downstream: A Scientist's Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment, "By age 8, 14% of American girls have breasts." Read more here....

Coming Home From College for the Holidays: How to Handle the “Freshman 15”

Starting college is an exciting but overwhelming time for most young adults. Learning how to balance academics, a new social scene, and any work obligations can leave self-care in a place of neglect. Even with the welcomed change of “leaving the nest,” transitions are a difficult time for most people, and learning how to nourish oneself without the conveniences of home can be a challenge.

You may notice that when your child comes from college for holiday break, that they have gained weight. Anxiety sets in because you’re concerned about how your child is taking care of themselves, what or if to say anything about the change, and yet not wanting to avoid dealing with possible issues that are associated with their changing body.  Below you will find some strategies in dealing with such issues to help alleviate the stress as well as to provide support for your loved one:

·       Don’t assume that the weight gain is an issue. Perhaps their changing body is reflective of self-exploration, new freedom and fun that they are experiencing at college. Creating independence and learning how to feed themselves appropriately takes time, and there is a learning curve associated with this new phase in self-care.

·       Watch out for warning signs that your child is concerned about the changes in their body. How do they talk to themselves about the weight gain? Are they criticizing their bodies or complaining that they do not fit into their clothes? You may have to purchase a few new items of clothing during this time of transition so that they feel confident and comfortable, but you do not have to buy a new wardrobe. Once their weight settles out, you can decide what else, if anything, needs to be purchased.

·       Have a body composition test done by a professional. Is the new weight reflective (and appropriate) of any growth that has occurred or an increase in age? Physical maturity usually completes during the college years, and weight gain/loss can occur during times of growth.

·       Spend consistent time with your child, and be a good observer during meals. Are they eating intuitively, or are there new behaviors that cause concern?

·       Continue to monitor your child’s actions following meals.  Are they drinking a lot of water, then disappearing or spending long periods of time in the bathroom? If you suspect that your child is purging, you should confront them with any worries.

·       State any concerns in a loving and clear, but firm manner. If possible, use the same descriptors that they are using themselves (i.e. “I’ve gained so much weight”) to prevent them from accusing you of believing they are “fat.” Any concerns that you have should be addressed directly in the context of what concerns your child is stating, or behaviors you have noticed.

·       Ask questions. How is your child making the transition in college? What are their stressors in school? Have they developed friendships or when are they feeling lonely? Are they too involved with the social scene? Develop ways that you can best support them while also holding them accountable to take care of themselves (i.e. nourish themselves appropriately), and not be pushed away because your child is too embarrassed to admit any difficulties.

·       Hold your child accountable for their actions, and any commitments they make to increase their self-care. If they are gaining weight because they are going out and drinking most nights, chances are they are neglecting other areas of their life (i.e. academics or sleep) and need to re-prioritize their commitments.

·       Praise any positive behaviors during this time of transition. Remember that they are still learning, and continue to encourage in areas that are appropriate.

The holidays are for spending quality time with loved ones, and celebrating new milestones (i.e. college). Do not allow the weight gain to take away from such special and infrequent experiences, but rather enhance and build upon this new phase of their life. Afterall, you are still their parent, able to offer guidance and support in times of need, while also holding your child accountable for self-care and without avoiding potentially destructive behaviors. Finally, if your child still needs more support, encourage them to seek out help from their college counseling center where they can receive (often free) support to cope with stressors, or specialized counseling in food and body image issues.

Proud2BeMe

Last month, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) announced the launch of an interactive teen website, www.Proud2Bme.org! Proud2Bme is dedicated to promoting healthy attitudes about food, weight and body image, targeting teens and young adults.

The site provides youth with a positive, fun, interactive environment to learn, connect with others and take action for personal and social change—especially the many teens with body image issues or who have (or are at risk of developing) eating disorders. Through engaging content and community features, this unique online space offers news about entertainment, fashion, beauty and other relevant pop culture in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Additionally, there are forums and chat rooms where teens are able to interact and make new friends.

Corona Del Mar High School Presentation

PARENTS, STUDENTS and EDUCATORS

WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND A

PTA-SPONSORED EVENT

Presented by

Dr. Lyndsay Elliott, PSYD

and

Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD

CURRENT TRENDS IN FOOD, NUTRITION AND BODY IMAGE ISSUES:

Insights To Increase Your Awareness

and Promote a Healthy Self‐image in Your Children

1. Athletics and Performance Issues

2. Body Dissatisfaction: Risk Factors for Obesity and Eating Disorders

3. Eating Issues with Boys

4. Fad Dieting and New Concerns

5. Bullying and Body Image

6. Academic Achievement Expectations

7. “Gentle” Nutrition Information

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16^TH

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

WHERE: CDM LITTLE THEATER

Dr. Lyndsay Elliott, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist and maintains a boutique practice in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Lyndsay specializes in food and body image issues, and has been an expert in the field since 1996. Her past speaking engagements have included presentations for the California PTA, Hoag Hospital, NMUSD, UCI, OCC, St. Margaret’s High School and Concordia University. In addition to her blog and website, www.DrLyndsayElliott.com, Dr. Lyndsay, posts relevant disordered eating information via twitter @DrLyndsay, and on Facebook at Dr. Lyndsay Elliott, Inc.

Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD is a Newport Beach Registered Dietician. She has authored numerous written works on nutrition and diet-related issues, including the book Intuitive Eating. Ms. Tribole gained national recognition as a nutrition expert for many years as the correspondent for Good Morning America. More information about Evelyn can be found on her website at www.EvelynTribole.com.

Athletes: Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues on the Rise

An estimated 14-62% of athletes are affected by an eating disorder, depending on the sport and the gender of the participant. These numbers appear to be on the rise due to increased awareness and treatment for such an elite group. Athletes face an even greater physical risk to themselves compared to non-athletes due to the stress that they place on their bodies on a daily basis. Those most vulnerable are involved in “appearance” sports (i.e. gymnastics, swim, figure skating and dance), however, they also occur in endurance sports (i.e. running or cycling) and sports that have weight classifications (i.e. wrestling). Many of these cases are not reported, or handled in secret due to pressures to perform and encouragement of coaches for achievement.

No one disorder affects these athletes, as food is used in a myriad of ways to cope. Some athletes may restrict caloric intake to drop weight or perform faster, while others purge their food to achieve the same goal. Others may become ravenously hungry due to high activity levels, binge because they are starving, and then compensate for calories thru excessive exercise or throwing up. Most athletes have disordered or idiosyncratic eating patterns due to the demands placed on their bodies.

Less is known about male athletes, since most of the research is measured with women. One issue they contend with is body dysmorphia, which leads to a preoccupation with becoming muscular, and a desire to promote size and strength of the individual. Many males affected with the disorder go unnoticed or untreated as there is an avoidance of discussing such concerns.

Coaches, teammates and parents should be aware of the traditional warning signs of eating disorders to help those that may be suffering. The team physician has the responsibility to monitor athletes for symptoms such as dizziness, decreased stamina, fatigue or weight loss. Without such monitoring, serious health risks, including cardiac failure, can occur.

Since the late 1980’s the NCAA has made a specific effort to target eating disorders in college athletes, conducting research and screenings. Posters for eating disorders are plastered all over female college locker rooms, and while the NCAA posts a 53 page brochure dedicated to the female athlete triad, there is nothing to specifically address males. More info on NCAA resources can be found at: http://www.ncaa.org/health-safety.

While the sport is not necessarily the cause of the disorder, the involvement in athletics coupled with any genetic/temperament predisposition to eating disorders, creates a convergence of risk factors that is problematic for athletes.